As omicron’s BA.2 subvariant pushes up cases globally, here’s what it looks like in WA
While omicron’s subvariant known as BA.2 races through Western Europe and prompts new spikes in cases, COVID-19 trends remain on the decline in Washington state, which has recorded a fairly slow spread of the variant so far. But some local researchers are questioning what its long-term impact could be in the United States and are predicting it could overtake the initial omicron variant in the coming months. BA.2 first emerged in the U.K. last December and over the past few months has spread throughout Europe. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Electric vehicle sales have surged in Washington state. But gas cars still dominate
Sales of electric vehicles are accelerating, even as the climate-friendly cars remain a rarity on Washington roads. One in nine cars sold in King County in 2021 runs on electricity, more than twice the market share electric vehicles have achieved nationwide, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. EVs made up 11.7% of new car sales in King County, 7.8% in Washington, and 4.4% nationwide in 2021. Still, electric vehicles, including “plug-in hybrids” that can run on either battery power or gasoline, were just 1.3% of all passenger vehicles on Washington roads and 0.8% of vehicles nationwide in 2021. Continue reading at KUOW. (Michael Marais)
Nearly 2 years after the border closure, Canada announces it’s dropping testing requirement
One day before the two-year anniversary of Canada and the U.S. agreeing to close their land border due the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic, Canada announced that it soon will make crossing the border from Whatcom County easier than it’s been in the past two years, at least if you’re fully vaccinated. Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada will not be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test, Canadian Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced in a virtual briefing Thursday, March 17. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.
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As omicron’s BA.2 subvariant pushes up cases globally, here’s what it looks like in WA
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