Covid-19 Update: Delta + Variant Detected in New York and California

The new coronavirus has been mutating and evolving for the past 20 months, and so far, the Delta variant, which originated in India, has been the most contagious and aggressive. A new version of the Delta strain, AY.4.2, known as the Delta + (Plus), has been monitored by scientists and health organizations ever since it began spreading in the U.K. According to sources, the first cases were detected in July, and new cases have been detected in the U.S, in New York and California.

Five cases of Delta Plus in New York and two in California

According to the CDC, the Delta variant has been responsible for 99% of the sequenced COvid-19 cases in the U.S since the beginning of October. The Delta variant has been classified as a variant of concern, and it has been responsible for the most recent surge of daily cases worldwide. New York and California states confirmed a total of 7 cases of infection with the AY.4.2 strain. 

The Delta + variant should not cause concerns

Health experts noticed that the new variation is spreading at a slower pace than the initial Delta variant. There have not been many cases detected outside the U.K, and, therefore, health experts believe that the Delta + variant might not become a threat in the future. 

The sub-variant has not been classified as a variant of concern, and it has not received a letter of the Greek alphabet. However, this new sub-variant has two important mutations in the spike protein of the virus. The new mutations might help the virus enter human cells faster and increase its transmissibility. 

The Delta variant has been causing a surge in daily infections worldwide, and many countries have decided to introduce lockdown or strict restrictions. In Europe, Latvia is on lockdown until November 15, and the coronavirus case has been reported in Tonga.