New South African Covid-19 variant hits Maryland

A new South African variant of Covid-19 has hit Maryland.

Researchers are still figuring out just how serious this variant can be, and if the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine would be effective against it.
Trials have been done for Novavax and Johnson and Johnson, and they have proven to be less successful against the new variant. Similarities are being made by many medical professionals to the UK variant, which has been found to be more contagious than the usual Covid-19 strain. 47ABC spoke with Dr. Chris Snyder, Chief Quality Officer of TidalHealth to get a rundown.

“It seems to be a little more difficult to manage, definitely more contagious much like the UK variant we’re finding. The good news is I believe we have some treatments I believe the vaccine is proven to be effective because of the way the antibodies work with this variant. ”

While the variant has only showed up in the Baltimore area, there is concern that is could spread further to the Eastern Shore and beyond. 47ABC will keep you updated as we learn more information about this new type of Covid-19.