So first of all, what is a variant? In the case of the COVID-19 virus, it has been found that the latter could undergo the process of mutation. This process involves the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in DNA or RNA (in this case), or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes. The following variants have been discovered to this date:
• Alpha (B.1.1.7)
• Beta (B.1.351)
• Gamma (P.1)
• Delta (B.1.617.2)
• Omicron (B.1.1.529)
Through countless hours of research, it has been concluded that the Delta variant of the virus was the most dangerous out of all. It was only when the world thought things couldn’t get worse, here comes a variant of the virus which spreads at least twice as fast and presents more severe symptoms and to which some vaccines have been proven ineffective against.
The number of deaths due to the virus worldwide are increasing exponentially. As a community, everyone must follow the sanitary precautions given. Caring for each other's life is vital for survival. Wearing a mask is an example of an effective way to reduce the spread of earlier forms of the virus, the Delta variant and other known variants. The following information should be taken into consideration:
- People who are not fully vaccinated should take steps to protect themselves, including wearing a mask indoors in public at all levels of community transmission.
- People who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission.
- People who have an underlying medical condition, a weakened immune system, or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not have as much protection even if they are fully vaccinated. They should continue to take steps recommended for people who are not fully vaccinated, including wearing a mask.
Wearing a mask is very important if you or someone in your household who: o Has a weakened immune system o Has an underlying medical condition o Is an older adult o Is not fully vaccinated Nowadays, the situation is such that taking care of ourselves also means saving others from a certain death. Don’t overlook those consequences; life is precious. Stay safe!
-KHODABACUS AKEEL
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