I don't know who needs to hear this, but:

I've spent a bunch of time digging into this "new" #SARSCoV2 strain. I, and a bunch of very serious researchers who know more about this than I do, remain unconvinced that this variant is any more infectious than the original.

Regardless, the immunology (which I understand a whole lot better) is clear: there is no evidence that this represents an "escape" version of the virus. Your immune system basically sees it as the same a the original. While not yet proven, current vaccines should work just fine.

There are many reasons why we are in the middle of a new, very serious #COVID19 wave and there is no reason to blame it on a new scarier version of the virus. The basics still apply and we know how to control it: wear a mask and keep your distance.

Vaccines are here and more are coming. So far, they all look to be really good. There is every reason to believe that we'll be on the other side of this in just a few months. We just need to get back to being disciplined and supporting those who can't for legitimate reasons.