#501YV2Update - Twitter Hashtag

over 5 years ago

Will wearing masks and social distancing still work for the #501yv2 variant? The @nicd_sa's Penny Moore: Yes, the new variant is as sensitive to such public health measures as the old variant. That's why it's so important that we continue with these measures. #501YV2Update

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Mia Malan @miamalan

over 5 years ago

Do #COVID19 tests work to detect the new #501yv2 variant? @rjlessells (he was part of the team who discovered the variant): Yes, #PCR and antigen tests detect the variant very well. So no need to change our diagnostics. #501YV2Update

Bhekisisa

@Bhekisisa_MG

over 5 years ago

Our detailed genomic surveillance allowed us to identify this variant as early as we did. We cannot relax safety measures. If we get complacent, we could see more waves with this more transmissible variant - @Tuliodna #501YV2 https://t.co/O6wv7zdfxt

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Mia Malan @miamalan

over 5 years ago

"The new variant can evade antibodies that are made for the old variant." It's great how scientists are explaining to us the science of the #501yv2 variant tonight. It's how it should be. I hope this will happen more often, also with SA's #VaccineStrategy #501YV2Update

Bhekisisa

@Bhekisisa_MG

over 5 years ago

There are two parts of the virus which serve as flags to the immune system - the receptor-binding domain and the N terminal. Mutations in these regions signal that the new forms of the virus may be able to evade antibodies - Prof Penny Moore https://t.co/O6wv7zdfxt

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Mia Malan @miamalan

over 5 years ago

#ProfKarim: The new #501yv2 variant spreads faster, but it doesn't cause more severe disease. So, a higher proportion of people don't fall ill or die because of the variant. But because there are so many more cases, it puts more pressure on our healthcare system. #501YV2Update

miamalan's tweet photo. #ProfKarim: The new #501yv2 variant spreads faster, but it doesn't cause more severe disease. So, a higher proportion of people don't fall ill or die because of the variant. But because there are so many more cases, it puts more pressure on our healthcare system. #501YV2Update https://t.co/22Frv9Sf74

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Mia Malan @miamalan

over 5 years ago

#ProfKarim: During the second wave a higher proportion of #COVID19 tests was positive than during the 1ST wave of South Africa's pandemic - about one out of three tests were + at some stage during the 2ND wave. This is because it was driven by the new COVID variant. #501YV2Update