New York declared state of emergency due to new strain of coronavirus
'27.11.2021'
Lyudmila Balabay
New York Governor Katie Hawkul has declared a state of emergency in the state ahead of a potential surge in COVID-19 due to the recently identified dangerous strain of the Omicron coronavirus. The declaration of the state of emergency in the region will enter into force on 3 December. The emergency regime will allow the state to quickly acquire supplies to combat the pandemic, increase hospital capacity, and tackle potential staff shortages. In addition, the State Department of Health will have the right to restrict non-essential and non-urgent procedures in hospitals, the publication explained. NBC.
“We continue to see signs of upcoming outbreaks of infection this winter, and while a new Omicron strain has yet to be found in New York State, it is approaching,” Hawkul said.
The new strain, which was first discovered in South Africa this week, has surprised scientists and is causing them strong fears. This strain of coronavirus contains about 50 mutations of the original SARS CoV-2 virus that emerged in China in 2019, including more than 10 mutations in the spike protein that binds directly to cells in the human body.
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On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially designated the new strain as “of concern”. The question of whether this strain is capable of escaping protection after vaccinations or after suffering COVID-19 remains open.
However, the news of the Omicron strain shocked the entire world and affected the economy. Dow Jones Falls To Lowest In More Than A Year; The United States, Canada and much of Europe have banned entry from several countries in southern Africa.
During the announcement of the state of emergency, Hawkul again called on New Yorkers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The vaccine remains one of our most effective ways to fight the pandemic, so I urge every New Yorker to get vaccinated and get boosted if you are fully vaccinated,” she said.
