Sources: Newsminer
Scientists in South Africa detect a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 called C.1.2 which is associated with increased transmissibility and the ability to evade antibodies. The variant was first identified in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces and has spread to seven countries as of August 13. 2021-08-30
Governor Mike Dunleavy announces that Alaska will drop its eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine and allow all residents over the age of 16 to receive it, thereby becoming the first state to do so. The state has also led other states in the percentage of its population to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 2021-03-9
AstraZeneca-Oxford developers say that their vaccine candidate is effective against the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2. 2021-02-5
Louisiana reports their first case of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the Greater New Orleans area. 2021-01-16
The Netherlands detects at least 30 cases of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in an outbreak linked to a primary school in Bergschenhoek. 2021-01-11
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan announces that three cases of the South African variant of SARS-CoV-2 named 501.V2 variant have been detected in Ireland. All of the people had travelled to South Africa. 2021-01-8
Iran reports its first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in an Iranian who travelled from the United Kingdom and later tested positive for COVID-19. 2021-01-5
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. The patient is a 23-year-old woman who travelled from the United Kingdom to Shanghai on December 14 and later tested positive for COVID-19. 2020-12-31
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi announces that the country will ban all international travellers for two weeks starting January 1, citing concerns over new variants of SARS-CoV-2. Government officials are exempt from this ban. 2020-12-28
South Korea reports its first cases of a more infectious variant of SARS-CoV-2, after three South Korean nationals who arrived from the United Kingdom tested positive for COVID-19, including an elderly man who has since died. 2020-12-28