Penn Medicine Finds Viral Variants of Concern in Over a Third of Latest COVID-19 Samples from Philadelphia-Area Patients

Despite the rising number of immunizations, more than a third of recent COVID-19 cases in the Philadelphia area are caused by concerning variants of the virus, according to a new analysis from a sample of patients from late February and early March conducted by Penn Medicine researchers. They say the findings – combined with an uptick in new COVID-19 cases in Southeastern Pennsylvania – underscore the need for continued vigilance by the public.