The official assured that the variants are being monitored by the DS epidemiology team and that, so far, the vaccines protect against the three variants found on the island.
The two new variants of interest identified are the Brazilian variant P.2 and the California variant B.1.429, these two variants are added to the British variant B.1.1.7 that was confirmed in February.
Mellado López added: “We are taking care of monitoring the cases identified to be able to attend to them effectively. Viruses are prone to mutations, as has happened with the influenza virus that changes every year, so the SARS-CoV-2 virus is no exception ”.
The official added that the case identified with the Brazilian variant P.2 is a woman between 40 and 49 years old. Meanwhile, two patients from Puerto Rico were identified with the California variant B.1.429 and whose cases are still under investigation.
The secretary also asked the population that in addition to being vaccinated when it is their turn, they continue with prevention measures that include the use of masks, hand washing and physical distancing.