Worried about the new COVID-19 Strain?

 So, I get it...a lot of people are really worried about the new COVID-19 strain that appears (and I stress appears) to be more transmissible.

Here's one reassuring fact: Although tests are incomplete, it does appear that existing vaccines will still work on the new variant.

The new variant may be more transmissible, but we can't be 100% sure. However, it is not more virulent (it doesn't cause more severe disease). Sadly, it does not appear to be less virulent.

It's also a variant, not a strain.

It does mean we should be even more careful, but it probably won't have a huge impact on the course of the pandemic in the grand scheme of things.

So try not to worry too much. But please wear a mask.