Countries bar UK travel to block new COVID strain
Mutations are common
It s not unusual to discover such a mutation. In China, for example, where the pandemic originated in late 2019, a new variant of the pathogen was already circulating six months ago. In the summer, another variant spread rapidly from Spain to half of Europe. Viruses mutate all the time, and in most cases these mutations have no or only minimal effects.
Despite all attempts at isolation, the mutation now confirmed in southern England has also long since spread to mainland Europe and other parts of the world, according to Christian Drosten, virologist at the Charite Hospital in Berlin. The virus has been present in England since at least late September, he said. We know now: it s already in Italy, in the Netherlands, in Belgium, in Denmark even in Australia. Why shouldn t it be in Germany?
Watertown High School performs The Crucible
Community Content
Watertown High School recently wrapped their fall play with three virtual performances of “The Crucible.
“The Crucible” by Arthur Miller is the dramatic telling of the Salem Witch Trials that took place between 1692-93 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The virtual performance was available over the Nov. 20-22 weekend. All of the rehearsals and performances were held over Zoom, except the two scenes that were filmed outdoors, and all participants followed the proper COVID-19 safety precautions.
“I am very fortunate to have an administration that is supportive of the drama program and its initiatives, particularly during this unique moment in time,” said Kacie Kirkpatrick, WHS drama teacher Kirkpatrick. “[Principal] Joel [Giacobozzi] and I started plotting this idea in the summer. We both felt it was essential to have some type of performance this fall, even if it wasn t our traditional fall play.”