Have you been keeping track of the difference variants that are occurring in the Country? If so, will you share this information? Will you be tracking and reporting on the Delta variant?
Yes we are working with CDPH and Labs to conduct Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on positive specimens that meet the criteria for WGS. CDPH is working with labs to ensure WGS is conducted to identify variants now and into the future. Surrounding counties have identified variants circulating in their counties. The most prominent in California at this time is the Delta variant. The CDC has deemed the Delta and P.1 variant as variants of concern due to their ability to transmit more easily and cause more severe illness. There is concern that the insufficient number of persons vaccinated can fuel these variants and result in increases in hospitalization and death. Experts agree vaccination has shown to help prevent hospitalizations and deaths related to variant strains.
Variant data can be found at the following link: https://outbreak.info/
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