COVID Vaccine Updates: Scientists concerned over New York’s ‘escape variant’

NEW YORK (WABC) — Health officials are warning about a COVID-19 variant spreading in New York. They say the current vaccines may be less effective against the new strain as more Americans are getting the shots.

“Some scientists are calling this the ‘escape variant’ because it may have the ability to avoid our immune system – possibly making our treatments less effective,” said Dr. Alok Patel, ABC Medical Contributor

Meanwhile, nearly half the country is easing pandemic restrictions, eyeing a return to normal. Dr. Anthony Fauci is cautioning Americans to remain vigilant against the virus.

The White House is laying out a new hopeful benchmark: the Fourth of July as a symbolic goal to motivate Americans to keep following the rules.

More than 11% of adults are now fully vaccinated.

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Here are more of today’s headlines:

Manhattan DA Candidate Liz Crotty tests positive for COVID
Manhattan District Attorney candidate Liz Crotty announced she has tested Positive for COVID-19.

“After feeling particularly run down last night, I took a COVID test out of caution and the test results came back positive. As New Yorkers, we all know the dangers of this virus and the uncertainty of these times,” she said in a statement. “Running for Manhattan District Attorney, I’ve had the privilege of meeting other New Yorkers every day to listen to their concerns and to find out what they want from their next DA. Now, like so many others, I must isolate and pray to heal. It’s unfortunate that during this pandemic candidates running for office were forced to petition and interact with thousands of people to gain access to the ballot. All of our lives were put at risk in order to serve the great people of New York – and now I am facing the consequences of a bad decision by those in charge/ This situation is scary, but it is also upsetting. My commitment to becoming your next DA is unwavering and when it’s safe, I’ll be right back on the campaign explaining why your safety and the future of our City is my biggest concern.”

IRS says ‘no reason to be concerned’ if $1,400 hasn’t hit bank account yet

Americans are starting to see the next round of stimulus payments hit their bank accounts this weekend. The payments are worth up to $1,400 per person and were included in the $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill signed by President Joe Biden earlier in the day. The time frame is in line with how fast the December payments went out, which started being processed three days after then-President Donald Trump signed the bill. But the payments won’t all go out at once. Those whose bank information is on file with the Internal Revenue Service will likely get the money first, because it will be directly deposited into their accounts. Others may receive paper checks or prepaid debit cards in the mail.

Yo-Yo Ma celebrates 2nd COVID-19 shot by transforming vaccination clinic into concert hall
Over this past year, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma has been…