Scientists in Los Angeles are trying to figure out if the fast-spreading strain of the coronavirus fueling a huge surge in cases in the United Kingdom is behind a similar rise in California.
The mutation is up to 70 percent more contagious, but it doesn’t appear to be any more deadly. COVID-19 is out of control in Los Angeles County and other parts of California despite lockdowns and other efforts to stem the spread, with the state passing 2 million cases on Christmas Eve.
Officials have blamed the surge on holiday gatherings and travel but are also pointing to more mundane activities like shopping as potential causes for the continued spread.