Nation's first case of Brazilian COVID variant found in Minnesota

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Star Tribune


Eight infections with U.K. variant also identified.
By Jeremy Olson Star Tribune JANUARY 25, 2021 — 8:14PM

Minnesota has identified the nation's first-known COVID-19 infection that involves a more contagious Brazilian coronavirus strain.

Genomic sequencing of lab samples from COVID-19 patients identified the Brazil P.1 variant in a Minnesota resident who recently traveled to Brazil, the Minnesota Department of Health reported on Monday.

State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said the discovery underscores the need for continued mask-wearing and social-distancing practices to limit transmission of COVID-19, which is spread by a coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2.

Infections, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 have been declining in Minnesota over the past month, but Malcolm said new strains could contribute to a new wave.

Read more: https://www.startribune.com/nation-s-first-brazil-viral-variant-found-in-minnesota/600015003/

[C Moon]

1. I heard on the news today that new strains may make mask wearing habits change:

The cotton mask will not be enough: wear a surgery mask beneath the cotton mask.
Oh boy.
It never ends!
Not only are many NOT WEARING A MASK AT ALL, but now we have to tell them to wear two masks?!
Hopefully, the vaccines will kick in soon.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Hadn't heard that, yet. Wow. Thanks for the information, C Moon. 🌖

[Initech]

3. Ugh, it just gets worse and worse!

[thearchive]

5. Don't wear two masks!!!

Don't wear two masks - wear a single high quality one, like an N-95 or a surgery mask.

Why? Because if you wear two masks then the first mask may lose its seal due to the second mask putting pressure on it, so it might be less effective than a single mask.

Do your best, but don't think that two masks are automatically better than one.

[C Moon]

7. They said they don't want the public wearing N-95 because they want to reserve them

for those in the hospital industry, they are not comfortable and they should be sized properly.
The radio story (1070 AM) was recommending with the new strain, that it may be necessary for people to wear two masks.

[Initech]

4. Why is international travel being allowed at all right now?

[Delphinus]

6. My question too!

Good thing the radio doesn't get upset when I yell out at these things.