Until there is more data on Delta variant transmission, disease experts say that masks, social distancing and other measures set aside in countries with broad vaccination campaigns may again be needed. In the United States, which has experienced more COVID-19 cases and deaths than any other country, the Delta variant represents about 83% of new infections. Genomics expert Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California, noted that Delta infections have a shorter incubation period and a far higher amount of viral particles. In the United States, the Delta variant has arrived as many Americans - vaccinated and not - have stopped wearing masks indoors. The development of highly effective vaccines may have led many people to believe that once vaccinated, COVID-19 posed little threat to them.

Source: dna July 27, 2021 02:37 UTC