COVID-19 Delta Variant invades Taiwan: 4 Things You Must Know

The Delta variant virus, also known as the B.1.617.2 variant, is the most dangerous Covid-19 variant. It first appeared in India in the end of 2020. "Taiwan Immigrants Global News Network" has compiled 4 frequently asked questions and answers about this Delta variant virus for our readers' reference.

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The whole world is now in a very dangerous period with the Covid-19 Delta variant virus. Photo/Retrieved from the Shutterstock gallery

1. How widespread is the Covid-19 Delta variant?

The Delta variant virus has successively invaded countries around the world, causing a new wave of epidemic. The Secretary-General of the World Health Organization (WHO, 世界衛生組織) Tan Te-sai (譚德塞) said that the world's Covid-19 epidemic is in a "very dangerous period", and pointed out that the more infectious Delta variant virus has been found in nearly 100 countries and continues to evolve.

2. Which groups are most at risk of infection?

The people at the highest risk of infection are "unvaccinated adults" and "children who are not yet eligible for vaccinations." For unvaccinated adults, the Delta variant may have a higher risk of serious illness, but experts still worry that children are also in danger.

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Existing vaccines have limited efficacy against the Covid-19 Delta Variant virus. Picture/Retrieved from the Shutterstock gallery

3. Are existing vaccines effective against Delta?

Modena (莫德納), Pfizer (輝瑞), and J&J (嬌生) are currently the 3 vaccines authorized for use in the United States. They all have a protective effect against the symptomatic diseases caused by the Covid-19 Delta variant and the convenience of hospitalization, although the level of protection is slightly lower than that against the original Covid-19 virus. The Pfizer and Modena vaccines require 2 doses to obtain maximum protection, and one dose will not have a protective effect.

The Pfizer vaccine is approximately 88% effective in preventing symptomatic diseases caused by the Delta variant. Modena said that their vaccine is also very effective against Delta variants. Although the results are based on laboratory research, the results in the real world will not be much different.

4. Do I need to wear a face mask?

If you have not been vaccinated, you need to wear a mask indoors, but as countries gradually eases on lockdowns, most places rely on trust, so wearing a mask becomes a personal choice. In areas with high transmission rates, experts recommend that one should still wear a mask indoors even if you are vaccinated already. In Los Angeles, USA, it is recommended for everyone to wear masks indoors, even if they have been vaccinated.