Viruses have mutations and it has been no different with Covid-19, or SARS-CoV-2 as two new strains have been identified and people now have questions.

The mutation that both strains share is called N501Y. 

Back in March, everyone had questions in regards to Covid-19.

Now it is the same thing with this new mutation as information is limited and there are more predictions than facts; especially with the vaccine.

The CDC has already warned people to take even more precautions for the new strains. 

The new version of the virus is more contagious, an estimation of 50% more according to the CDC. 

It was first identified in the UK, and as a result Ireland, England, and Wales are in an even more restricted lockdown. 

The lockdown is said to end by March, travel is only allowed if it is essential, schools are closed, restaurants and non-essential stores are closed. 

The strain has arrived in the US, and as of January 15 approximately 80 cases of the new strain have been reported.

With the new strain being even more contagious the cases are expected to increase in a matter of weeks. 

The cases will double in less time than Covid-19 did, experts say, including Public Health England. 

According to hopkinsmedicine the strain is not deadlier than Covid-19.

The most obvious question that this new strain poses is whether the vaccine will work against it. 

The answer is that it all depends. 

Professor Adam Finn, vaccine specialist who has done research on the new strain, said, “It’s unlikely that this will have anything more than a minor, if any, effect on the vaccine’s effectiveness.”

Studies are still being done and have yet to come up with a conclusion. 

However earlier in a statement Pfizer said, “…similar tests have been performed on multiple mutant strains. To date, we have found consistent coverage of all the strains tests.”

With the United State’s plan of 1 million vaccines per day, the spread could be deferred. 

El Paso received 5,000 more vaccines by the state from the Moderna manufacturer.

Giving the opportunity for thousands of El Pasoans to get the vaccine and be safe.

Loretto student activities director Mrs. Martinez received the vaccine. 

Mrs. Martinez said, “We are living in the “unknown” and in extremely trying times so a virus we are unfamiliar with is very scary and compounds our anxiety. 

“With the huge number of people affected and the horrific number of deaths, I am very grateful to be among the lucky few to have received the vaccine. 

“It is the best defense we have and I believe it will  offer us protection for the foreseeable future including new variation.” 

Scientists are still trying to figure out whether the vaccine will work for the long term effect with the new strain. 

Nonetheless, people like Mrs. Martinez reminds everyone to be positive and grateful for the present.

Times are uncertain, but they have been for a while, and humanity has prevailed and will continue to do so as scientists continue their investigations and research on this new strain.