Admiral Brett Giroir, the White House coronavirus testing czar, says health officials believe that a new, more transmissible strain of COVID-19 is spreading in the country.
During an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday, Giroir was asked if the new strain is spreading in the country. He said, “We don’t have proof that it’s here, but we do suspect that it is likely here, given the global interconnectedness.”
He continued, “Let me make a couple comments about this. There is increasing evidence that it really is more transmissible, meaning it’s more contagious…We have no evidence that it’s more serious. In other words, if you get it, it’s not more serious, no more likelihood of getting in the hospital or dying.”
“We still believe, don’t have absolute proof, but we have very good evidence and good belief that the vaccines will still be effective,” he added.
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A new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus first emerged in the United Kingdom, however health experts have said the discovery is not a cause for concern.
During a virtual briefing last week, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) emergencies chief Mike Ryan addressed the new variant. He said, “We have to find a balance. It’s very important to have transparency, it’s very important to tell the public the way it is, but it’s also important to get across that this is a normal part of virus evolution.”
He also said it is “prudent” that countries have imposed travel restrictions in light of the new strain. Still, he stressed, “It is also important that everyone recognizes that this happens, these variants occur.”
WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminatha also said they have not seen evidence that vaccines will not be effective against the new strain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines that require travelers from the U.K. to test negative for the coronavirus within three days of traveling to the U.S. to try to limit the spread of the new strain.
