A new study identifies seven U.S. virus variants with the same worrying mutation.

As Americans anxiously watch the spread of coronavirus variants that were first identified in Britain and South Africa, scientists are finding a number of new variants that seem to have originated in the United States — and many of them may pose the same kind of extra-contagious threat.

In a study posted on Sunday, a team of researchers reported seven growing lineages of the coronavirus, spotted in states across the country. All have gained a mutation at the exact same spot in their genes.

White House says it's not looking to require COVID-19 tests before The White House says it’s not currently looking to require passengers to get COVID-19 tests before domestic flights. Jordan Williams TheHill

The White House says it’s not currently looking to require passengers to get COVID-19 tests before domestic flights.

COVID app triggers overdue debate on privacy in Singapore Government forced to amend law around app after it emerges police used the data to investigate a number of crimes. Kirsten Han

Singapore – For a country that prides itself on being on the cutting edge of high-tech governance, there has been little national discussion in Singapore on the balance between data collection and individual privacy.

Now, COVID-19 has forced the conversation, after it was revealed that data from the government’s contact-tracing app, contrary to initial promises, could also be used for criminal investigations.

UK’s Kent virus variant becoming more resistant, scientists warn Sequencing of coronavirus samples must be reduced from five days to 36 hours to help fight against outbreaks. POLITICO

LONDON — The dominant coronavirus variant in the U.K. is becoming more resistant to vaccines, scientific experts have warned.

Two leading scientists in the U.K. warned Wednesday that the variant of the virus first identified in Kent has acquired the same E484K mutation on its spike protein that makes the South Africa variant so worrying for experts.