I don’t know but Colorado lists 6 active variants with Delta being by far the most prevalent. How they ID them I don’t know. They range from .47% of Colorado cases to 40% (Delta).
They are using the chart method of science. You make a chart that shows precise results and people seeing the chart assume there must be precise science behind it...really I have no idea, but am dubious about how they can know as well.
The Alpha, Beta & Gamma were identified from Dec. 2020 through Feb and March 2021-— Delta came along and Id’d in INDIA in April 2021.
The variant is a variation of the S-proteins (the spikes on the outside of the virion of the virus (the ball), the spike proteins have genetic coding for them to be made, and this DNA has mutated now 4 times ending so far with Delta.
The infection mechanism has not changed, only the S-protein formed (its physical shape in 3D has changed-— nothing about the S-Protein which would change its seeking out the Receptor on Lung lining cells....The ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2— also a protein itself).
The mechanism of infection has not changed. Only the S protein shape/genetic makeup which they say is somehow more transmissible—— maybe the protein is shaped for a better receptor fit.
Does not change what is the nature of the Covid genetics.