A New COVID Variant Emerges in Florida, and We're Not Surprised

On the rare occasions I venture out—like to grab groceries or pick up a prescription—I find myself among a handful of mask-wearers. Those without masks either ignore me or look at me as if I have something unusual on my face. The few who do sport masks nod in solidarity, a small comfort in knowing I’m not the only one who cares about public health and understands scientific literature. Thank goodness for that.

However, these encounters are becoming increasingly rare, as mask usage plummets. Here in Florida, large gatherings and parties continue unabated, even as hospitals set up tents for overflow patients. Advent Health, one of Central Florida’s major hospital systems, has declared a “code black,” postponing all elective procedures due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. This pattern is echoed across multiple hospitals.

Recently, a local school board meeting attracted a large crowd of anti-mask protesters. The atmosphere grew so chaotic that police had to escort board members out for a brief recess. Upon returning, speakers took to the mic, expressing demands against mask mandates. The claims ranged from dismissing COVID-19 as a hoax to labeling mask-wearing as child abuse. One woman, donning a cap with an American flag and lacking children in the local school system, attempted to cite the Constitution, only to mistakenly quote the Declaration of Independence.

This is Florida.

A New COVID Variant: B.1.621

Thus, it’s no shock that Florida is now seeing a new strain of the COVID-19 virus. Discovered in Colombia, this variant is increasingly appearing in South Florida. Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of Jackson Health System, indicated that this variant, known as B.1.621, constitutes approximately 10% of new COVID-19 cases in the area.

While the Delta variant remains the most prevalent, this new strain raises concerns. Each mutation of the COVID-19 virus poses the risk of diminishing vaccine effectiveness. Getting vaccinated quickly is crucial to shield the population from severe illness and to keep hospitals functioning well.

First detected in January, the variant has also been reported in the UK, with all cases traced back to international travel. Fortunately, initial reports indicate that it does not appear to cause more severe illness or show increased resistance to current vaccines, though ongoing monitoring is necessary. The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention has classified this new variant as “of interest” but emphasizes the need for further data.

Concentrated Almost Entirely in Florida

Here in the U.S., this new COVID variant accounts for just over 2.1% of total coronavirus cases as of July 17, according to Dr. Mark Thompson from the University of California, San Francisco. Notably, in South Florida, B.1.621 accounts for around 10% of cases.

Dr. Thompson noted, “The only time it becomes important is if it provides a selective advantage, similar to what we saw with the Delta variant.” He cautioned that if B.1.621 follows a similar trajectory, it could soon dominate case numbers.

The Importance of Vaccination and Other Social Mitigation Measures

Dr. Emily Rivera, Chief Health Officer at a prominent health institution, reiterated that variants can spread rapidly, especially among unvaccinated populations and during large gatherings. “If unvaccinated individuals congregate and then return home, transmission can escalate quickly,” she warned.

For now, the most alarming aspect may not just be the emergence of this new variant in Florida but the astonishing disregard many residents show for the health crisis. Anti-vaccine advocates often quote survival rates without considering the long-term consequences of severe COVID-19, such as lung and heart damage. It’s alarming how many people seem to believe that wearing a mask or getting vaccinated poses a greater risk than contracting the virus itself.

I’m concerned about the new variants, but I’m even more troubled by the persistent ignorance displayed by many in our community.

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In summary, Florida is witnessing the emergence of a new COVID variant, B.1.621, which raises concerns about vaccination effectiveness and public health. While the Delta variant remains dominant, the rise of this new strain, particularly in areas like South Florida, highlights the urgent need for vaccination and public safety measures. The indifference of many to the ongoing health crisis is alarming and underscores the importance of education and awareness.