With the latest announcement of the Indian variant, Covid-19 now has this, Brazillian, South African, UK and other strains that are believed to exist currently within the country.
While, Coronavirus obviously remains a global concern, there is an argument to suggest that not only is it becoming a discrimination concern that even has countries such as India calling for their name to be taken off of the virus, but that by constantly referring to new variants it is only causing more trouble and panic for the population.
The reference to new variants being more ‘highly transmissible’ or inferring that they might be worse than the previous finding has been commonplace every time that one is discovered.
Firstly, there was great panic over the new ‘Kent’ strain, then South Africa suddenly became the concern, all leading to the now highly publicised Indian variant which is reported to have infiltrated and increased the R rate of such towns as Bolton.
Scientifically, the UK is considered to have one of the highest levels of genome sequencing across the entire globe, to an extent that the analysis taking place does not exist anywhere else and that if there were issues, the UK would identify them before anyone.
What this means is that by constantly reporting them in their early stages, you are creating a story that does not exist, or may not even become important, and this has been proven by the fact that despite all these discoveries, there has been no effect in terms of a growing R rate or any substantial reports that there has been a new variant discovered that is significantly more concerning than any of the others.
The recent coverage of the Indian variant has seen specialist teams deployed to the area most heavily affected, with vaccinations and fast tracking of those at risk areas being a very shrewd and proactive response.
However, with both Pfizer and Astra Zeneca being reported to be ‘highly effective’ in treating this variant, just like it has helped to control the others, there seems to be a very credible belief that with the country finally opening up and people doing everything they can to stay safe, they should not be scared into lockdown once again in the face of a pandemic that may not be completely under control, but certainly will not be improved by the constant need to vocalise every little issue that the public has no control over.
Covid-19 should not be taken lightly, and people should wear their masks and take precautions until told otherwise, but the leaders and those providing the stories need to take accountability for what they publish.
The variant and its location does not matter, it is scientifically supported that there may be many more undiscovered variants that likely will make no difference to the strength or transmission of the virus.
It is time to provide hope and assurance to those looking to rebuild a post covid future, not constantly profit from their concerns.
Photo Credit: Fusion Medical Animation
