Two coronavirus strains that were first detected in California have now been officially declared as "variants of concern," as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The variants may be around 20% more transmissible, according to early research. Certain COVID-19 treatments may also be less effective against these variants, officially called B.1.427 and B.1.429. However, the CDC didnt say that vaccines won’t work against them. Laboratory studies have shown that antibodies from vaccinated individuals appear to be less effective at neutralizing the strains. However, lower levels of antibodies may still suffice to protect against COVID-19, particularly severe cases. Health officials are still concerned that some treatments may not work as well against the variants… (CNN, March 17, 2021)