OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – There are actually circumstances of all 4 COVID-19 variants of considerations in Oklahoma, together with a double-mutant variant that was first detected in India.
“We’ve got all of those variants of concern right here in Oklahoma,” Dr. George Monks with the Oklahoma State Medical Affiliation stated.
These variants of considerations embody the B.1.1.7 pressure first detected within the U.Okay., the B.1.351 pressure first detected in South Africa, the P.1 variant from Brazil, and the newest variant of concern which is the B.1617, a double-mutant pressure that was first detected in India.
“This variant of concern from India has been present in over 17 international locations and it’s been present in over 10 states in america,” Dr. Monks stated.
There have solely been two circumstances of that variant recorded right here in Oklahoma, thus far. There have additionally been 118 circumstances of the UK variant and 2-4 circumstances of the opposite two.
In accordance with the World Well being Group, the Indian variant is extremely contagious and spreads extra simply than the unique virus.
“It’s regarding. Variants of concern are actually the wild card that we’re going through,” Dr. Monks stated.
That is why Monks stated he believes the state of Oklahoma wants to extend testing for these variants.
“We’re nonetheless not doing sufficient testing for variants of concern right here in Oklahoma. Actually, we’re nonetheless ranked final in america,” he stated.
He additionally stated the race to get Oklahomans vaccinated continues, as it’s the finest protection towards COVID-19 and all variants of the virus.
“If everyone seems to be vaccinated or we are able to at the least get to herd immunity, the virus goes to have a really exhausting time going from one particular person to a different and that’s our greatest probability to get again to regular,” Dr. Monks stated.
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Some Oklahomans Information 4 spoke with agree, whereas others stated they are not involved.
“I’m not afraid, you already know, it’s just a bit flu,” one man stated.
“Get your COVID vaccine in the event you’re in a position to after which we are able to begin making our manner again to some normalcy right here quickly,” one other Oklahoman stated.
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