Should you be worried about the new COVID-19 variant? Local health officials share evidence and thoughts - Gainesville Times

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Should you be worried about the new COVID-19 variant? Local health officials share evidence and thoughts

Lead microbiologist Maureen Clancy prepares to insert COVID-19 sample into a testing machine Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. - photo by Scott Rogers

01232021 VARIANT 1.jpg — Lead microbiologist Maureen Clancy prepares to insert COVID-19 sample into a testing machine Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. - photo by Scott Rogers

Now that the COVID-19 variant, B. 1. 1. 7, has been confirmed in Georgia, new concerns have arisen about its level of contagiousness, interaction with vaccines and symptom presentation.