What is the "Delta Variant"?

Question: Will the vaccine still protect me? Answer: The vaccine is still protecting people from getting seriously ill, but Delta is so contagious that even vaccinated people can spread it (though less than unvaccinated people).

Question: Why do we need masks again? Answer: Now that even vaccinated people can spread Delta, the CDC suggests we all mask up indoors again.

Question: Are you sure this is the final info? Answer: No. Things will probably change again. Scientists keep collecting data. Viruses evolve. When we get new information we’ll share it.

Reality Team
July 30, 2021

What is the delta variant of Covid-19?

All viruses evolve – until herd immunity snuffs them out. The Delta variant is now the most common form of COVID-19 virus in the US – and its spreading FAST. It’s much more contagious than the original virus, and about 50% more likely to lead to hospitalization.

Do vaccines protect us against the delta variant?

Yes. 97% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

However, data released this week (July 30, 2021) shows that the Delta variant is so contagious that even vaccinated people can spread it.

That’s why the CDC wants us to mask up indoors again.

According to CDC documents, Delta variant is more contagious than Ebola, the common cold, the regular seasonal flu, and the 1918 flu. It’s about as contagious as chicken pox.

References

Center For Disease Control: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

Reuters. How the Delta variant upends assumptions about the coronavirus.

NPR. The CDC Says the Delta Variant Has Changed the War Against COVID-19.

The Washington Post. ‘The war has changed’: Internal CDC document urges new messaging, warns delta infections likely more severe.