Staff Reports
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised concerns about the new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant potentially infecting vaccinated individuals. Although it is still too early to determine if this variant can cause severe illness in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, the CDC is worried about its impact on immunity from vaccines due to the large number of mutations detected. According to the CDC, this variant may be able to escape existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections more effectively than other recent variants.
The CDC has detected at least two cases of the BA.2.86 variant in the United States, and it has also been found in Israel, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Denmark. While the amount of genomic sequencing of the virus has decreased globally, making it possible for more undetected variants to emerge and spread, it is important to note that the current increase in hospitalizations in the US is not likely driven by the BA.2.86 variant. However, this assessment may change as more data becomes available.
Here We Go: CDC Claims Vaccinated People ‘Not Safe’ from New COVID Variant https://t.co/0Z7cDjSDzz
— 🇺🇸🇺🇸Josh Dunlap🇺🇲🇺🇲 ULTRA-MAGA (@JDunlap1974) August 24, 2023
The CDC reassures that most of the US population has COVID-19 antibodies, vaccination, or both, which should provide some level of protection against the variant. Nevertheless, a top World Health Organization (WHO) official has designated BA.2.86 as a “variant under monitoring.”
In other news, colleges and offices have started reinstating contact tracing and mask mandates. Morris Brown College in Atlanta, for example, has taken this precautionary step, even though no new reported cases have been identified. The college is asking staff and students to wear masks while on campus due to reports of positive cases among students in the Atlanta University Center.
It’s important to stay informed about emerging COVID-19 variants and follow recommended safety measures to protect yourself and others. While vaccines can provide significant protection, it’s always wise to be cautious and considerate in this evolving situation.
