The U.S. has surpassed 27 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, with health experts urging sustained vigilance despite declining infection rates. While hospitalizations and new cases show temporary dips, concerns about highly transmissible variants and potential Super Bowl-related gatherings are raising alarms about a possible resurgence.
Variant Spread Accelerates
Nearly 700 cases of COVID-19 variants first identified in the UK (B.1.1.7), South Africa, and Brazil have been detected nationwide, according to the CDC. The UK strain accounts for the majority, with early studies suggesting it could be up to 50% more contagious than earlier variants. Researchers are also monitoring potential impacts on vaccine efficacy.
Super Bowl: A Litmus Test?
Public health officials fear that gatherings around Sunday's Super Bowl LV could undo recent progress. “This is not the time to relax precautions,” warned Dr. Rina Shah, an epidemiologist at Georgetown University. “These variants require us to double down on masking, distancing, and avoiding large groups.”
CDC models suggest the UK variant could become dominant in the U.S. by March if current spread rates continue.
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COVID-19: U.S. passes 27 million cases as new variants rapidly spread
cgtn.com
