A potentially faster-spreading “sub-lineage” of the coronavirus Delta variant named AY.4.2 has been spotted by labs in at least 8 states, and health authorities in the United Kingdom say they are investigating a growing share of cases from this strain of the virus. Labs in California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Washington state, plus the District of Columbia, have so far spotted at least one case of AY.4.2. While it may spread somewhat faster, health authorities have not found evidence of more severe illness caused by the variant, and they say current vaccines remain effective against it.
| That pattern seemed to suggest that a nationwide cold-weather Covid surge was unlikely anytime soon. The prediction models collected by the C.D.C. agreed: They projected continuing declines in U.S. Covid cases during November. Instead, cases have surged about 30 percent this month. |
Worldwide, cases are also increasing in some countries. Austria put its economy under partial lockdown on Monday with the toughest in an array of restrictions that are spreading across Europe. For at least 20 days, residents will have to stay home and all nonessential shops will close. The restrictions could be extended if the pressure on hospitals remains acute.
CSSE is reporting 47,938,269 positive cases in the U.S. and 773,021 deaths. DOH reported for the week ending November 18, 3,677,968 confirmed cases in Florida with 61,081 deaths. In Florida, 14,180,980 people have been vaccinated or 68% of the population over 5 years of age and 88% of those over 65.
