More Contagious Strain of COVID-19 is beginning across the Country

January 19, 2021

A more contagious strain of COVID-19 could sweep through the country and become the dominate variant of the virus by March, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new and more transmissible strain is called SARS-CoV-2 known as B.1.1.7.

Hospitals already struggle to staff personnel needed to treat current Coronavirus patients. ICU capacity for the state consistently sits in single digits. A more contagious strain, leading the charge, could be devastating.

As of January 18, 14 states have reported cases of the variant. The CDC believes B.1.1.7 is more widespread than reported.

There is no evidence the B.1.1.7 strain causes more severe symptoms and current vaccines seem to work against the variant.

Lucky Knott

One of Southern Tennessee's most experienced and recognized news broadcasters and play-by-play sportscasters. News and Sports Director for Rooster 101.5 FM, 93.9 The Duck and Whiskey Country 105.1, and 95.9. He is currently the play-by-play voice of the Coffee County Red Raiders (31 years) on The Rooster 101.5 and can be heard M-F broadcasting our local news. Lucky has done play-by-play for 3,993 (and counting) sports events on Radio & TV. He also served four years as the Public Information Officer for the Coffee Co. Sheriff's Dept. and taught Radio/TV for six years at Grundy County High School.