Variant strains now dominate new COVID-19 cases, but vaccines are holding them off so far

[KSTP-TV News, May 29, 2021] State health officials say a majority of Minnesota's positive COVID-19 cases are now variants of the virus. According to recent data released by the CDC, about 72% of positive COVID-19 cases are the B117 variant.

The Minnesota Department of Health reports similar numbers. MDH officials estimate about 75% of new positive infections in Minnesota are from the B117 variant, first detected in the United Kingdom, and as much as 85% of positive cases overall are due to variants.

“It is a concern because these variants are more transmissible at the least,” said Dr. Frank Rhame, an infectious disease specialist with Allina Health.