re: #278 Nojay UK

First evidence is that the B.1.1.529 variant is more communicable than Delta which is a red flag in itself. The Schmott Guys (tm Phil Foglio) looking at the genetic analyses and protein coats see that it’s got enough differences from previous SARS-nCoV-2 variants that they think there’s a good chance existing vaccines and acquired immunity will be less effective (but not totally ineffective) against it. What’s not yet known is the severity of any resulting infections from this variant.

The WHO defines two types of SARS-nCoV-2 variants — there are Variants of Interest (VoI) which are something to keep an eye on since they might lead to something more dangerous and then there are Variants of Concern (VoC) which are the ones to really worry about right now. The B.1.1.529 variant is officially classed as a Variant of Concern.

The EU is now recommending the suspension of all airline flights from southern Africa to Europe with immediate effect. It’s up to the member countries to decide on this but it’s clear that the scientific advisory committees advising governments are really REALLY worried about this variant.

All those aspects of the variant are valid reasons for concern, but at this time we don’t know whether it will turn out to be an actual threat — which is why everything we post about it is full of “mights”and “may be’s.” There have been similarly concerning variants in the past that didn’t turn out to be dangerous “in the wild.”

That’s all I’m sayin — don’t panic in advance of data.