in the war on Cove it 19. Health experts agree it’s one of the best defenses. But although more than 42 million coronavirus vaccine doses have now been given in many places, there’s still not enough to go around. Just feel like we should have been more prepared. There should be more supplies, but I’m glad they’re getting to more vulnerable age group and people faced with the vaccine shortage in California, Los Angeles County is on Lee giving out second doses of the vaccine for the rest of this week. Rather than offering any more first dose, it’s one maker. Pfizer says it’s increased production to double its coronavirus vaccine output. The vaccine maker expects to deliver 200 million doses to the U. S by the end of May. They have a supply and demand issue, and they’re dealing with it the best they can. Meanwhile, in the fight to slow, the virus is spread. Transportation Secretary Pete Buddha judge says the 500 is looking at all its options while considering whether passengers should be required to provide a negative cove in 19 tests before domestic flights. What we know is that it’s the appropriate measure for international travel people traveling into the U. S. Given some of those considerations, you know, I’d say the domestic picture is very different. But, you know, the CDC is always evaluating what can best be done to keep Americans safe. I’m Mandy Gaither reporting.
8 Alabama residents have been infected with UK COVID-19 variant, ADPH says
Updated: 5:12 PM CST Feb 18, 2021
The Alabama Department of Public Health on Thursday said eight Alabama residents have been infected with the highly contagious UK strain of COVID-19, B117.The health department said it is partnering with several private and commercial laboratories in the state to expand its ability to identify COVID-19 strains that are known to be more transmissible and may sabotage current progress of reducing cases in the state. “To date, eight variant strain cases of the highly transmissible COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been identified in Alabama residents, but only a couple of the cases had out-of-state travel prior to illness onset which indicates this variant strain is already circulating in Alabama,” ADPH said in a news release. “Cases were identified in residents of Autauga, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile and Montgomery counties. The cases that have been identified correspond with the counties where a small portion of laboratories is collecting specimens for sequencing, so there is much yet to be determined about the variant’s spread. The variant was first identified in the United Kingdom.”Currently, many infectious disease experts and the CDC have indicated that the current vaccines should be effective against the strain. However, this is still being studied. Currently, the B.1.1.7 variant has not been definitively linked to worse outcomes of the disease. As this variant is recent to the United States, it is important to follow the outcome of persons infected with this variant. If a patient presents with recent taste or smell disorder, or clearly presents with COVID-19 illness, and tests negative for SARS-CoV-2, providers are asked to collect a specimen as soon as possible for submission to the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories or a laboratory that performs sequencing.ADPH advises the public to continue practicing the usual mitigation standards with emphasis on correct and consistent use of face masks of washable, breathable fabric such as cotton, practice social distancing, and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.For more information about COVID-19, visit the ADPH website here or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline number at 1-800-270-7268.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. —
The Alabama Department of Public Health on Thursday said eight Alabama residents have been infected with the highly contagious UK strain of COVID-19, B117.
The health department said it is partnering with several private and commercial laboratories in the state to expand its ability to identify COVID-19 strains that are known to be more transmissible and may sabotage current progress of reducing cases in the state.
“To date, eight variant strain cases of the highly transmissible COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been identified in Alabama residents, but only a couple of the cases had out-of-state travel prior to illness onset which indicates this variant strain is already circulating in Alabama,” ADPH said in a news release. “Cases were identified in residents of Autauga, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile and Montgomery counties. The cases that have been identified correspond with the counties where a small portion of laboratories is collecting specimens for sequencing, so there is much yet to be determined about the variant’s spread. The variant was first identified in the United Kingdom.”
Currently, many infectious disease experts and the CDC have indicated that the current vaccines should be effective against the strain. However, this is still being studied. Currently, the B.1.1.7 variant has not been definitively linked to worse outcomes of the disease.
As this variant is recent to the United States, it is important to follow the outcome of persons infected with this variant. If a patient presents with recent taste or smell disorder, or clearly presents with COVID-19 illness, and tests negative for SARS-CoV-2, providers are asked to collect a specimen as soon as possible for submission to the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories or a laboratory that performs sequencing.
ADPH advises the public to continue practicing the usual mitigation standards with emphasis on correct and consistent use of face masks of washable, breathable fabric such as cotton, practice social distancing, and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the ADPH website here or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline number at 1-800-270-7268.