The Daily

A New Chapter of the Coronavirus

Aug 2, 2021
Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times, dives into the latest on COVID-19 and the Delta variant. She reveals that vaccinated individuals can still carry high viral loads, raising concerns about their potential to transmit the virus. The conversation explores how the CDC's findings impact public health policies, corporate vaccine mandates, and office return strategies. Mandavilli emphasizes the need for continued vigilance as the pandemic landscape evolves, highlighting the complexities of navigating public health amidst breakthrough infections.
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ANECDOTE

Provincetown Outbreak

  • The CDC investigated a Provincetown outbreak, which spread to 900 people nationwide.
  • About 450 cases are in Massachusetts, showing Delta's transmissibility.
INSIGHT

Viral Load in Vaccinated People

  • Vaccinated individuals can carry similar viral loads as unvaccinated people.
  • This allows them to spread the virus, contrary to prior expectations.
INSIGHT

Delta's Impact on Breakthrough Infections

  • Breakthrough infections with high viral loads are primarily due to Delta's strength.
  • The vaccine effectively produces antibodies in the blood but not as effectively in the nose.
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