Scientists Identify More Infectious, New Covid-19 Strain in UK

From the story: Researchers in the U.K. estimate that the variant could be as much as 70% more transmissible than more established strains. Some of the changes are on the spike protein on the surface of the virus, potentially enabling it to more easily cling to and enter human cells. Scientists don’t believe it is any more deadly (WSJ).  

Meanwhile, the situation in Southern California grows more dire.  According to the story, “As of Sunday, more than 16,840 people were hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infections — more than double the previous peak reached in July — and a state model that uses current data to forecast future trends shows the number could reach 75,000 by mid-January. More than 3,610 COVID-19 patients were in intensive care units. All of Southern California and the 12-county San Joaquin Valley to the north have exhausted their regular ICU capacity, and some hospitals have begun using “surge” space. Overall, the state’s ICU capacity was just 2.1% on Sunday” (ABC News).