Health & Fitness
UK Coronavirus Strain Remains NYC's Most Common Variant
New York City launched a new page displaying the latest data on COVID-19 variants spreading in the city.
NEW YORK CITY — Just because vaccinations cut down coronavirus cases in New York City doesn’t mean dreaded variants are gone.
The UK variant — B.1.1.7 — accounts for 43 percent of variant cases in the city, according to a new data page.
But while it’s the most common variant, it’s far from the most common strain still circulating. Data shows it’s about 6 percent of cases tested in the city.
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the daily average of new COVID-19 cases in the city last measured at 212. Positivity on a seven-day is at 0.71 percent, he said.
“Good, good numbers today,” he said Thursday. “Keep getting vaccinated.”
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Variants could carry mutations that make them easier to spread. This caused concern for experts when COVID-19 vaccination rates were lower, but it appears the vaccines remain effective against variants.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.