MY EDMONDS NEWS Posted: January 19, 2021 848
This week’s coronavirus news is topped by ambitious vaccine distribution plans at all levels, and the spread of four distinct new viral variants, at least one of which has been identified in 20 states including Oregon, our neighbor to the south.
Scientists continue to maintain that while more contagious, these strains do not appear to cause more severe cases of COVID nor do they show increased resistance to the current vaccines. More information on the variants is available in this article from CNN.
On the bright side, Johns Hopkins University reports an 11% drop in new cases nationwide from last week’s peak, driven by declining numbers in 35 states – including Washington. Experts continue to stress the need to remain vigilant, as it is too soon to tell if this is the beginning of a trend or an isolated aberration.