New COVID-19 strain bringing some concerns to people, as it seems to have a higher transmission rate

DELMARVA- This week in Colorado the United States confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus strain first identified in the U.K.

“We do not believe that there is much different about this strain meaning that it makes people more ill or more severly ill,” Bill Chasanov, Infectious Disease Physician at Beebe Healthcare, said.

A doctor at Beebe Healthcare said the strain known, as the 1-1-7 strain, is causing some concern for many, as there aren’t exact answers as to how it will impact people yet.

He did say though that the rate of transmission appears to be higher than the other strains seen so far.

“It’s not just necessarily how fast its transmitted but potentially how many people that it can, that one person can transmit it too,” Chasanov said.

Another question that the U.K. strain brings about is how the current Pzifer and Moderna vaccine will react to it.

“As far as we know, the vaccine appears to be effective against this strain but more information will come out as more information about that strain emerges,” Chasanov said.

With so much uncertainty about the new strain, it’s leaving some people a little on edge.

“It’s the fear of the unknown, it’s not knowing what’s going to happen or if there’s actually going to be a answers for what’s happened,” Jack Blackwell, Deadstock Shoes & Apparel Owner, said.

As doctors continue to work on gathering data on what to expect from the 1-1-7 strain, we’re told people should continue to do their part to decrease the spread.

“Wearing a mask and washing your hands, and watching your distance, and making sure you are limiting your interaction with other people outside of your household,” Chasanov said

“I don’t think I’m overreacting when I say that a lot of us are ready for 2021 and hopefully have some answers that will come with the new year,” Virgil Shockley, a Worcester County resident said.

Beebe Healthcare added that the hospital will continue to watch the community spread and positivity rates to ensure that they have what they need in case the strain comes to our area.

The doctor said that from what they know a person who catches the existing strain of COVID-19, on average, transmits it to 2 to 3 other people.

But with this new strain, they don’t have data about transmission just yet.