Experts Say More Contagious COVID Variant Is In Western Washington

A new variant of the coronavirus has been identified in western Washington, according to KING 5.

On Monday (January 25), the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) warned this recent strain of the virus could overwhelm local hospitals if there's a surge in new cases. Officials added the variant, which originated from the United Kingdom, is more contagious.

Reporters said state leaders were able to make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible despite recent concerns over vaccine supply. Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday (January 26) that Washington will also be getting a 16 percent increase to its vaccine allotment in the coming weeks. The federal government recently announced they agreed to purchase 200 million more vaccine doses.

The association expressed concerns over people double booking appointments as vaccination sites run out of doses. "That concern goes to not only the people who need the shots and are unable to get them, but also to the potential for waste if the doses once thawed out can't find enough arms," KING 5 wrote.

While the state awaits restock, WSHA is also looking into "creative solutions" to get more people to help administer the shots. Reporters said acupuncturists, physical therapists and others could also be asked to help out, whenever the supply catches up.

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