Scientists are calling the COVID variant B.1.526. Although it shares a mutation in common with the variants that originated in South Africa and Brazil, this variant is unique and will need to be studied further.
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) Another new COVID variant has been identified and this one is circulating in the New York City area, two studies have found.
It is not yet known if the variant is more contagious, deadly, or if it impacts the vaccine, but more will be learned as scientists continue to study it.
The new variant was identified separately by two research groups one at CalTech and another at Columbia. Both published their findings ahead of a formal scientific peer review process.
Scientists are calling the COVID variant B.1.526. Although it shares a mutation in common with the variants that originated in South Africa and Brazil, this variant is unique and will need to be studied further.