New year, new strain?
- Serafina Hills
- Feb 10, 2021
- 4 min read
The latest strain
With the start of 2021, many automatically assumed this meant a new beginning and a fresh return to a normal life, this is highly unlikely to occur. We can all hope, but it’s best to stay put and stay distanced as we reach the new year. Coronavirus cases are reaching peaks in many areas, with even more cases than in March. Everyone reacts to the stress caused by the virus in different ways, so before reading on I advise you to reach out if you’re feeling stressed or concerned at this time. The majority of people are feeling the same way, you're not alone.
A microscope image that may help determine new strains of the virus.
Credit: Getty Images
Now, moving onto the latest updates, a new strain that is 70% more deadly was recently found in the UK, resulting in a quick action and new restrictions authorized by the government. Many areas of the UK have recently been put into ‘tier 4’, a further development on the previous 3-tier system, in which they have stricter restrictions and what is essentially considered to be a lockdown. These areas include London, Surrey, and Wales. All that is permitted within the given restrictions is essential shopping and daily outdoor exercise. You are also allowed to meet one person out of your ‘bubble’ in an outdoor area socially distanced at the time of writing. Since September 1, the cases in the UK have consistently increased and yesterday reached a total of 53,135, including 414 deaths. This was the first time the cases exceeded 50,000 overnight. The number of Covid patients in London’s hospitals has now exceeded levels that were recorded at the peak of the first wave of the virus. A total of 5,371 hospital patients were confirmed as having Covid-19 as of 8 am on December 29, according to the latest figures from NHS England. During the first wave, the number of London patients peaked at 5,201 on April 9.
It is incredibly important for everyone to stay put and continue practicing social distancing guidelines in these unprecedented times. For your grandparents, your vulnerable friends, and anyone that falls in between.
World stay at home orders as of Feb. 10
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The new variant is causing concern for numerous reasons. It was first detected in September, however in November, a quarter of cases within London were the new variant. This reached nearly two-thirds of cases in mid-December. It is causing concern because it is rapidly replacing other versions of the virus as mentioned above. It has mutations that affect many parts of the virus, which are likely to be important. Some of those mutations have already been shown in the lab to increase the ability of the virus to infect cells. Although the new year may seem like a change and a step towards “normal”, this is by no means the case.
How to keep safe, wherever you are
Although this latest strain is predominantly in the UK, as of now, COVID-19 is still an ongoing global pandemic that is affecting the whole world. As for keeping safe, remember to follow guidelines your government has set out to manage the pandemic in your area, and do not break these rules. Aside from the new strain, there has also been a breakout of post-COVID syndrome or other similar issues caused by COVID-19 that are more long-lasting. Due to the long lasting effects, many people who have suffered from it claim to still have no sense of smell or taste. It is much more serious for anyone experiencing it, even if they don’t have underlying health conditions than originally anticipated so safety is key.
A trial COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson
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Wear a mask! It’s so important to remain safe by wearing one, and only going places that are essential, or meeting small groups. In short, oblige by your local rules. Don't break rules and meet with tons of people when someone’s life could be in danger. Small groups are the way to go and it can sometimes be much nicer that way. Try to go outside as little as possible and practice social distancing and the 2m rule as much as you can.
Mental health
Learning the new news, and statistics, on Covid-19 can be very scary and stressful. Remember to reach out if you need assistance or support as in these unprecedented times everyone is here to help each other out. This news of the new strain and the increase in cases can be dooming but it reminds everyone of the importance of staying safe and following the rules, that in the end ultimately protect our community and others.
This will not go on forever. In the UK, it will take a year for everyone who needs a vaccine to be vaccinated. This may seem like a long time, but in all honesty, it’s not. Now we have a vaccine, it’s just managing cases and then there’s no longer the tension of nothing and waiting.
In conclusion, be careful! COVID-19 isn’t a joke, but take care of yourself mentally as this news can be hard to process fully.
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