Health officials say the new variant found in Missouri is a reminder that the pandemic is not over.

The Missouri Department of Health and Seniors Services reported the case of the variant found in Jackson County on Tuesday. The department says this variant has not caused more serious illness and it is still not clear whether it is spreading faster than the other strains.

State Department of Health Director Dr Randall Williams said some studies have shown that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not as effective against this variant, but the three vaccines available in the United States have failed. proven effective. The state is testing sample variants across Missouri. Williams said local agencies can request a sample to be tested if they are in doubt that it is a variant. A red flag is if someone has been re-infected with COVID-19 after previously testing positive, according to Williams.

“As we look into the country of other states we see an increase in cases, we are certainly concerned that these variants, especially the UK variant, are really a part of it,” said Williams. There are always concerns about the emergence of new variants that are more deadly, infectious or resistant to vaccines or treatments. Williams said it was a worrying hypothetical situation.

The CDC director said on Wednesday that the variant originally found in the UK is now the most prevalent strain of coronavirus in the United States. Missouri said on Tuesday that 35 cases of the strain had been reported in the state. “Now is the best time to get the shot because all three of these vaccines are effective against all of these variants,” said Williams. “And also if you are vaccinated or not vaccinated, to wash your hands, to distance yourself socially, to wear a mask and to continue to be careful not to gather together.”

Sara Humm, of the Columbia / Boone County Department of Health, said there has been data from sewage studies to show that variants exist in our area, but it’s hard to decipher exactly how many have been found. “The more we can eradicate the disease, the virus, the less likely it is to mutate, so that’s even more of a reason why we want to get people vaccinated to lower the viral load in a community,” Williams said.

All Missourians will become vaccine eligible starting Friday, which Humm says is the first line of defense against the virus and the spread of variants. “Even if you are in phase 3 and you are not eligible for a few more days, you can still make those appointments and get an appointment for Friday or for the weekend or next week, by depending on what’s available, ”Hmmm said. “As for the variants, the mitigation efforts are the same, making sure you wear your mask, getting away socially, staying away from large crowds, washing your hands,” said said Hmmm.

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