COVID variants on the rise in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Health officials are warning of a new rise in COVID variants across the state. The Department of Health projecting 40% of new cases are variant strains.

With no signs of slowing down, they say it’s a race to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible.

“We’re very concerned,” Dr. Philip Chan, the Medical Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health said. “A lot of experts across the United States including the CDC have predicted a potential new surge.”

Dr. Chan says hospitalizations and deaths are continuing to decrease, in fact, fatalities are down 86% since the peak of the pandemic. However, he says new positive cases are no longer going down. He attributes that to COVID variants.

Currently, data shows a significant spread of the U.K. variant, which he says is concerning.

“What’s happened in this variant is that there are mutations that allow it to bind more tightly to human cells,” Dr. Chan said. “That means it’s more infectious, and as of last week, we’ve learned that it’s significantly more deadly as well.”

He says that’s why getting shots in the arms of people as quickly as possible is a priority. Dr. Chan says while most vaccines are protective against the U.K. variants, there’s a chance other mutations might not be.

“The very real concern is we’ll see more variants evolve over time that are resistant against these vaccines which is why we need to be careful,” Dr. Chan said.

Officials are still urging people to remain cautious. The state remains prepared to vaccinate all Rhode Islanders by mid-April, meaning the end could be in sight.

“We continue to thread that needle between business opening up as well as with public health and protecting against this pandemic,” Dr. Chan said.

He says the next month is vital with spring break and Easter coming up and recommends if you’re planning on traveling in the near future to get tested.