Is everyone just trying to piss me off?
To be clear, because I've collapsed into exasperation tweets:
This headline is not just incorrect, but false and misleading. #SARSCoV2 D614G has been a present lineage in Europe and NAmerica since the beginning of the pandemic. G has become more dominant than D. /1
We are not certain why G overtook D. Serendipity founder effects. Marginal increase in infectiousness. Some combination. With so many susceptible hosts, it seems unlikely there was any sufficient selection for G to 'outcompete' D. /2
But... the virus does not evolve 'to' do anything. That is not how evolution works.
Evolution IS NOT progression to some functional ideal. It is not directional nor intentional. Diverse forms arise... and through a multitude of forces and events, some sustain, some are lost. /3
I make bad analogies!
Two final points:
- Evidence shows no change in antigenicity/immunogenic effects of D614G, so no concern in vaccine development.
- Even if there is change in infectiousness... no change in public health strategy! Avoid the 3Cs! Masks. Distance. Outdoor > indoor. Avoid crowds.
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