3 chapters across the catalog
Delta Variant R-Naught Values, Herd Immunity Definitions
Health experts from Johns Hopkins explain that the Delta variant has an R-naught value of 5 to 6, making it significantly more contagious than previous strains. The hosts criticize the comparison of COVID-19 to measles and whooping cough. They specifically challenge the new definition of herd immunity being presented, which suggests the virus must be completely absent from a community.
CDC R-Naught Estimates, Chickenpox Contagion Comparison
A new CDC analysis claims the Delta variant has an R-naught value of 8 or 9, meaning one infected person typically spreads the virus to eight or nine others. This represents a significant increase from previous estimates that compared the virus to the common cold. Some analysts view these updated figures as a reintroduction of early 2020 viral memes intended to drive urgency.
President Xi Jinping warns of an accelerating spread of the virus as the death toll rises and 48 million people face travel bans. Technical aspects of the virus are discussed, specifically the R-naught (R0) value being over two, indicating high virality. While the incubation period is estimated at two weeks, the primary cause of death is identified as pneumonia resulting from the virus, particularly in elderly patients.
