The new variant, known in the USA as B.1.1.7, has been detected in CO, CA, FL, and NY. It is highly likely to be spreading in other states without having been detected. The severity of the infection and the mortality rate is not measurably worse than earlier COVID-19 infections, but this mutant appears to be more transmissible. According to an article in the NY Times, some virologists have estimated B.1.1.7 to be 20% more transmissible... or 50%... or 70%... One theory is more of the B.1.1.7 variant accumulates in the nose and is spread on tiny droplets as the carrier exhales.

The NYT article predicted that B.1.1.7 will become the dominant form of COVID-19 virus in the USA by March. I would expect more US hospitals will reach their limits of capacity and ration care.

This variant was first identified in UK. On Monday 1/4/2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the UK under the highest level lockdown. The government is once again instructing you to stay at home. People in the UK will be allowed to leave their homes for limited reasons such as shopping for essentials, exercise, medical assistance, or to escape domestic abuse.
Places of worship will remain open on the basis that attendees adhere to social distancing.
Schools will be closed to all except the children of key workers and vulnerable children.
Outdoor sports venues will be closed.

The new variant has led to rising cases almost everywhere in the UK. Hospitalization increased 30% compared a one week earlier. UK Chief Medical Officers stated on 1/4/2021 We are not confident that the National Health Service can handle a further sustained rise in cases, and without further action there is a material risk of the NHS in several areas being overwhelmed over the next 21 days

B.1.1.7 was first known in the UK as VUI-2020 12/1 {Variant under Investigation} and later as VOC 2020/12/1 {Variant of Concern}.

Sending Healing Vibes across the Water,
All Through the Night