The fast-spreading delta variant This is believed to have contributed to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in some areas, particularly among unvaccinated populations, said the UMass School of Medicine infectious disease expert and member of Gov. Baker’s COVID-19 advisory group.

How does COVID-19 mainly spread?

COVID-19 is spread through airborne particles and droplets. Respiratory fluid particles and droplets containing the SARS CoV-2 virus are released into the air by people with COVID-19 when they exhale (eg, quietly breathing, talking, singing, exercising, coughing, sneezing).

What are the side effects of the Covid vaccine?

Millions of people who have been vaccinated have experienced side effects, including swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. Fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain, chills, and nausea are also commonly reported. However, as with any vaccine, not everyone will respond in the same way.

What is the new coronavirus?

A new strain of coronavirus has been added to the World Health Organization (WHO) watch list. The Mu strain, also known as B.1.621, has been listed as a « variant of interest » on August 30, 2021.

Why is the risk of contracting COVID-19 higher in crowded spaces?

The risk of contracting COVID-19 is higher in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces where infected people are in close proximity for extended periods of time. These settings are where the virus appears to spread more efficiently via respiratory droplets or aerosols, so taking precautions is even more important.

Countries with the highest COVID-19 deaths

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Should I avoid indoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Try to avoid indoor spaces that do not provide fresh outdoor air. If indoors, open doors and windows for fresh air if possible.

What is the recommended social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Stay at least 1 metre away from others to reduce the risk of getting infected when they cough, sneeze or talk. When indoors, maintain greater distance from others. The farther the better.

How does the new mutation of COVID-19 differ from the original strain?

People infected with the new strain, known as 614G, had higher viral loads in their noses and throats than the original strain, although they didn’t appear to be sicker. But they are far more contagious to others.

Is there another new Covid variant?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added another coronavirus variant to its watch list. It is called the mu variant and is designated as the variant of interest (VOI).

How many variants of Covid are there?

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of variants have been discovered, four of which are considered « variants of interest » by the World Health Organization – Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta, all of which have been used by scientists in such closely tracked on the website as GiSAID and CoVariants.

How soon after the COVID-19 vaccine do side effects occur?

Most symptoms following systemic vaccination are mild to moderate in severity, occur within the first three days of vaccination, and resolve within 1-3 days after onset.

Are there long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Serious side effects that could lead to long-term health problems are extremely unlikely after any vaccination, including the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine surveillance history shows that side effects typically occur within six weeks of vaccination.

Who should not get the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an immediate allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (such as polyethylene glycol), even if it is not severe, you should not get the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Can you catch coronavirus disease by touching surfaces?

A person may contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object with the virus, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not considered to be the primary route of transmission of the virus.

How long can COVID-19 stay in the air?

COVID-19 can be spread more than 6 feet by breathing in the virus in the air. Particles from an infected person can move throughout a room or indoor space. These particles can also linger in the air after a person leaves the room—in some cases, they can remain in the air for hours.

Can COVID-19 be airborne?

Studies have shown that the virus can survive in the air for up to 3 hours. If an infected person exhales and you breathe in air, it goes into your lungs. Experts are divided on how often the virus spreads through airborne routes and how much it will affect the pandemic.

Is there a new variant called Mu?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added another coronavirus variant to its watch list. It is called the mu variant and is designated as the variant of interest (VOI).

What are the new Covid-19 variants in South Africa?

According to South African scientists, the C.1.2 variant was first identified in May 2021 and evolved from C.1, « one of the lineages that dominated the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections » in South Africa. The C.1 variant was last seen in January 2021.

What are the COVID-19 variants of interest?

A variant with a specific genetic marker, changes in receptor binding, decreased neutralization of antibodies raised against previous infection or vaccination, decreased therapeutic efficacy, potential diagnostic impact, or predicted increased transmissibility or disease severity related.

Will a COVID-19 vaccine work for new mutations?

There is promising evidence that current vaccines will protect you from most variants or mutations of COVID-19 currently circulating in the United States. Certain variants may cause disease in some people after they have been vaccinated. However, if the vaccine is found to be less effective, it can still provide some protection. Researchers are monitoring how new COVID-19 variants affect how vaccines work in the real world. To learn more about vaccines and new variants, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Last updated June 15, 2021)

Has the virus that causes COVID-19 mutated?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is accumulating genetic mutations that could make it more infectious, according to a study published in mBIO.

How is COVID-19 different from other coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses often cause mild to moderate upper respiratory illness, such as the common cold. However, SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe illness and even death.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing – Social distancing is the practice of increasing the distance between individuals and reducing the frequency of contact to reduce the risk of disease transmission (ideally at least 6 feet between all people, even those who are asymptomatic).

Social distancing strategies can be applied at the individual level (eg, avoiding physical contact), at the group level (eg, canceling group activities where individuals will be in close contact), and at the operational level (eg, rearranging restaurant chairs to increase the distance between them).

How can you prevent the spread of COVID-19?

1. Get the COVID-19 vaccine.
2. Wash your hands often with regular soap and water.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you are around others.
4. Avoid crowds and maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet away from others).

What are close contacts of someone with COVID-19?

For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period (eg, three separate 5-minute contacts for a total of 15 minutes).