New COVID Variants On The Rise, But Overall Cases Still Declining In Washington

Acting State Health Officer Dr. Scott Lindquist gave an update Wednesday on the state's fight against COVID-19 variants.

Lindquist said the Alpha variant, also known as the B117 or UK variant, slipped to about 46% of recent cases across the state. Although 46% is substantial, it means the Alpha variant is being outperformed by both the Gamma, or P1, variant and the more recent Delta variant. The Gamma variant, which is so far the deadliest variant, accounts for 16% of recent cases and is itself being outperformed by the Delta variant, which is at 17% and rising.

The Delta variant is the strain of coronavirus that is currently causing COVID case rates to rise in many regions across the globe. Lindquist explained that Washington has so far not seen a rise in cases associated with the Delta variant, but researchers have seen an increase in the Delta's share of total cases. He expects that the state does not need to reinstate any further masking guidance at this time, something many countries have had to do since the Delta variant became a worldwide problem.

Lindquist also said that all the vaccines in Washington State are working well against the variants so far.

"I am hearing some discussion about will there be a need for a booster for these variants in particular." explained Lindquist, "There's clearly no set upon or agreed plan for that."

There have been 2,200 known cases of COVID-19 breakthrough out of more than 3.7 million of those in Washington State 16 and older that are fully vaccinated. That equates to a breakthrough rate of under 0.06%.