the 2020 olympic games. lots of news from here to report later, but our top story is unfolding in the united states, and alarming new findings just released about how easily the delta covid variant spreads. the war has changed, say cdc scientists who have now discovered covid-19 spreads as easily as the common cold. and even more unsettling, that fully vaccinated people can easily transmit the virus, even among other vaccinated individuals. the findings also raising questions over whether the cdc s recently updated mask guidelines went far enough. and despite a growing number of breakthrough infections, the new data still make a strong case for vaccinations. miguel almaguer has the latest. reporter: as americans face infection and hospitalization at a staggering rate, tonight new findings from the cdc say the
away. miguel, i have to ask, with cases trending in the wrong direction, is there any talk of possible lockdowns? lester, the white house said there would not be a return to any lockdown, that vaccines can stop the pandemic. on that front, there is good news. the average number of people getting new vaccines is up 30%. lester? a welcome development, miguel. thank you. let s get a reality check on breakthrough infections. still a very small percentage of new cases, but spreading at a higher rate than first thought. here is gabe gutierrez. reporter: the new cdc internal report not only acknowledges that so-called breakthrough infects are rising, but that they may be as transmissible as unvaccinated cases. were you surprised that you had been vaccinated and got sick any way? yes, absolutely i was surprised. reporter: catherine green of florida is still in isolation after testing positive about a week ago. she was vaccinated back in march. you can still contract the virus,
war has battle against covid. new data made public today likens the delta variant spread to the chicken pox. as the virus leaps person-to-person, it s more contagious than the common cold, likely triggering more severe disease than previously known, the delta variant is also infecting the vaccinated at higher rates as they carry more viral close in their nose and throat as unvaccinated. while they too may easily spread the virus, the inoculated are rarely hospitalized. the message is not enough people are getting them. the efficacy of a vaccine that isn t given is exactly zero percent. reporter: despite the spike in cases, it s important to remember we are nowhere near last winter s surge in cases or the daily death count. still, with the new data providing some concrete numbers on breakthrough infections, the concerning findings are why the cdc called
delta. now more than 80% are delta. action we mentioned, dr. brett giroir is starting by. first to dr. janet, fox news medical contributor who has been digging for more information. doctor, great to see you here. the white house saying the delta variant spreads quickly. the cdc say cdc says it spreads as quick as chicken pox. do you see enough data to support these claims? i ve heard enough data. we ll have more released later today. but just like when we have a tornado or a hurricane, we want the warning before it hits. that s what the cdc has done. they told us this virus, the new variant is more contagious. it spreads faster than sars, the flu, the common cold. it can affect up to nine other people. whereas the common cold affects up to two or three other people.