Daily COVID-19 Update: Understanding The Coronavirus Variant

There’s evidence that the new coronavirus variant, first identified in the U.K., is now spreading in the U.S.

UK prime minister orders new virus lockdown for England
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new national lockdown for England until at least mid-February to combat a fast-spreading new version of the coronavirus. Bianca Martin / ASSOCIATED PRESS
UK prime minister orders new virus lockdown for England
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new national lockdown for England until at least mid-February to combat a fast-spreading new version of the coronavirus. Bianca Martin / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Daily COVID-19 Update: Understanding The Coronavirus Variant

There’s evidence that the new coronavirus variant, first identified in the U.K., is now spreading in the U.S.

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As Illinois grapples with the logistical challenges around vaccine rollout, the U.S. is facing a new and potentially quite significant challenge: the spread of a more contagious coronavirus variant.

Reset brings on a reporter who has been covering the new strain to tell us what is known so far.

GUEST: Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times science reporter