As the year 2021 begins, new strains of coronavirus are being discussed by health experts around the world. Reports of a new Covid-19 variant, B.1.1.7, was first cited in the United Kingdom but now has spread, reaching the United States.

So what is this new strain?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the new strain is a mutated version of the original COVID-19 virus, in particular, this strain was first found in the United Kingdom

Should we be concerned?

Well, the main difference is the new strain is thought to be 50 percent more transmissible than the original strain according to STAT. As England sees an increase in hospitalization they are also seeing an increase in infection in people under the age of 20. The new strain is not thought to be more severe; although, there will be an increase in cases followed by hospitalizations.

Does the vaccine work against the new strain?

The claim that the vaccine will not work against this new strain hasn’t been proved yet, according to a team at John Hopkins.

So what does this mean for Northlake?

It’s important to remember that viruses normally mutate and we must not panic. It’s normal to feel helpless or afraid by the tons of information that we are constantly bombarded with, but there is something you can do.  Wait for proven information from health experts to come out before you start to assume things about this new strain. Wear your mask, wash your hands, and remember to limit the number of people you have over or hang out with. Small actions can lead to big changes.