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Antoine Boyer Reworks Charlie Parker: "Donna Lee"

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Nojay UK11/26/2021 6:51:54 am PST

re: #270 A hollow voice says Vaccinate the world!

If you read past the alarming headlines, it seems it’s not the first variant since delta that looked like a possible danger, but the others didn’t pan out, and we don’t know yet how this one will act “in the wild.” For now, it’s something to keep an eye on.

First evidence is that the B.1.1.529 variant is more communicable than Delta which is a red flag in itself. The Schmott Guys (tm Phil Foglio) looking at the genetic analyses and protein coats see that it’s got enough differences from previous SARS-nCoV-2 variants that they think there’s a good chance existing vaccines and acquired immunity will be less effective (but not totally ineffective) against it. What’s not yet known is the severity of any resulting infections from this variant.

The WHO defines two types of SARS-nCoV-2 variants — there are Variants of Interest (VoI) which are something to keep an eye on since they might lead to something more dangerous and then there are Variants of Concern (VoC) which are the ones to really worry about right now. The B.1.1.529 variant is officially classed as a Variant of Concern.

The EU is now recommending the suspension of all airline flights from southern Africa to Europe with immediate effect. It’s up to the member countries to decide on this but it’s clear that the scientific advisory committees advising governments are really REALLY worried about this variant.