In this week's coronavirus update, we discuss the COVID-19 Delta Variant that is spreading throughout the world right now. The majority of those catching the new Delta variant are unvaccinated people, thus areas with a higher percentage of unvaccinated people are being hit harder. We also have updated infection and vaccination numbers for you.
What Is the Delta Variant?
The Delta variant is a mutation of the original coronavirus that emerged in China in late 2019. Originally detected in India in October 2020, Delta quickly spread and overwhelmed India's healthcare system. It has since spread to at least 85 countries because of its high transmission rate. It's considered the "most transmissible" variant of COVID-19. It itself has mutated again to a strain called, Delta Plus.
In the United States, there is concern that the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, could become the dominant variant in the U.S. in the coming weeks. William Lee, Vice President of the California-based population genomics company Helix, authored a new analysis. Lee believes that the Delta Variant could make up 50% of all COVID cases in the U.S. by mid-July, and eventually become 80% of all new cases. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky voiced similar concerns last week.
What Is Concerning About the Delta Variant?
The Delta variant poses the most risk to individuals who are not vaccinated. It is estimated to be anywhere from 40% to 80% more transmissible than the original strain, referred to as Alpha or B.1.1.7. The Alpha strain is 50% more transmissible than the most widespread coronavirus (common cold virus) of 2019.
According to Wendy Barclay, professor of Virology of Imperial College London, Delta infects with a higher viral load. This means that people who contract Delta exhale more of the virus when they cough, which is why it is much more transmissible.
Aside from being highly transmissible, Delta also appears to affect younger people. While Alpha was more fierce with the older population, Delta is causing people in the 18-26 year range to become sick. It has also reportedly caused more severe reactions in people than Alpha has. A recent study published in The Lancet Medical Journal suggests that hospitalization rates for Delta could be double that of Alpha; however, those who are fully vaccinated have significant protection against it.
Latest U.S. Covid Numbers
Overall, the number of U.S. cases and deaths of coronavirus are declining. There has been a national decrease of 18% in the average number of cases and a 20% decrease in the number of deaths.
Certain parts of the Midwest and South are continuing to have hot spots, as recent cases have increased in those areas. Missouri's cases have increased 49% over the last 14 days, Oklahoma has seen a 63% increase in the last 14 days, and Nevada is up 57% as well.
According to the CDC, approximately 152.2 million Americans are fully vaccinated, and nearly 179 million have received at least one dose. That correlates to 45.8% of Americans being fully vaccinated and 53.9% with at least one dose. This is still shy of President Biden's goal of 70% of adults vaccinated by July 4th.
Latest Worldwide Covid Numbers
The number of cases worldwide is also decreasing. There has been an 8% decrease in the total number of cases and a 26% decrease in the number of reported deaths.
While the decrease in overall cases is on the decline, cases are spiking in some areas. Countries at the top of the list to avoid right now unless fully vaccinated are Mongolia, with an increase of 62% over the last 14 days, and Namibia with a 94% increase.
If you are traveling anytime soon, be sure to check out the appropriate travel requirements. We track each country's testing and vaccination requirements for you, so you don't have to.