CDC Classifies Delta Variant As ‘Variant of Concern’

The CDC is now calling the Delta variant of the Coronavirus a variant of concern. The designation which is given to strains of the virus that scientists believe are more transmissible or can cause more severe disease. Vaccines, treatments and tests that detect the virus may also be less effective against a variant of concern. Previously the CDC classified the variant as one of interest. The World Health Organization classified the Delta variant which was first identified in India as a variant of concern on May 10th.

Covid-19 cases in the U.S. have been declining over the past few month but experts are concerned that could change as the Delta variant spreads. The CDC estimates it’s accounted for 9.9% of cases in the U.S. as of June 5th. The variant is believed to be responsible for the most recent rise in cases in the UK where it was announced this week that the easing of Coronavirus restrictions would be delayed another four weeks until July 19th.