World: Strains of COVID-19

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World
Strains of COVID-19

Scientists say that there are now eight different strains of coronavirus, each carrying the same risks to the world population. NextStrain.org has produced an interactive, animated map showing how each of the eight strands has spread across the globe. Genetic sequencing data can be used to show how London became a COVID-19 hub for the global spread of the virus after it arrived from Wuhan, China. In the United States, cases spread to Washington State from China, but more cases in New York City came via travelers from London and other parts of Europe. Tracking the different strains of COVID-19 can allow epidemiologists to visualize the travel routes of the virus and afford policy makers the opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of containment measures.

This map depicts the different strains of COVID-19 around the world. Click the map to view animation. All COVID-19 updates will be displayed in a red box.

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United States
Amazon Workers Strike
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak across the United States, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island have walked out of their jobs in protest of having inadequate protection against the virus. Workers are worried about getting infected with the virus as demand for delivery of goods and products soars and non-essential businesses and stores remain closed to much of the general public. Employees are also demanding additional safety supplies, hazard pay, and transparent communications regarding the virus. It is not known how the current strike will impact other Amazon facilities nationwide as they have been classified as essential workers by government officials. Workers at Whole Foods, the grocery store chain owned by Amazon, are also expected to begin striking today.

This map depicts the location of Amazon warehouses across the United States. Click on the map to expand.

Further Reading: CNN, Vox, ABC, Fox, BBC

Graphic Source: CNBC
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Antarctica
Unprecedented Heatwave
An increasing heatwave trend in Antarctica is leading to unprecedented glacial retreats in the region. The warmest temperatures are concentrated in the northernmost East Antarctic Peninsula, causing warm water pools and snowmelt runoff in the normally frigid Antarctic tundra. The temperature spike, which occurred in early February, was the highest ever observed in the region, peaking at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Researchers generally believe the East Antarctic is the slowest to warm due to the ozone hole that strengthens the jet stream over the southern oceans. The warming trend has made this hole smaller, increasing climate instability and leading to record melting.

This map depicts the air temperature difference from the long-term average in Antarctica. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: Nature, Euro News, Antarctica Gov, BBC, Deutsche Welle
Graphic Source: Guardian

+ The Wallace Line, one of the most significant in the geographical origins of animal species, may have to be redrawn after new discoveries on Christmas Island 4000 miles away from the line.

+ Curious about how location tracking during COVID-19 will impact your privacy rights? Tune in to hear the EthicalGEO Fellows debate the issue on the first installment of the EthicalGEO Podcast.
+ Created by Esri UK, these maps show some of Earth’s famous rivers geomorphology as it would appear on bare ground.

Yesterday’s Answer

Q: Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of mainland South America, is found in what country?

A: Colombia
Punta Gallinas is a headland – a narrow piece of land that projects from the Colombian coastline into the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the La Guajira Peninsula and houses South America’s northernmost lighthouse that is 659 ft tall.

Source

Today’s Question

Q: The King Fahd Causeway at a length of 15 miles (24 km), connects which island country to the mainland?

Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.

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World: Strains of COVID-19