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There's a lot of concern in Minnesota now that at least two COVID-19 variants — those first discovered in the 

 — have been identified in the state. There's still a lot we don't know about them. 

But our regular medical analyst, Dr. Jon Hallberg, says we do know that such variants are normal. 

“The virus has been circulating in the human population millions and millions of times, and as it makes copies of itself, it’s very easy for, say, one amino acid to be swapped out for another. It’s a mistake. Sometimes that mistake may just disappear, or it may stick,” he said. “And if that mutation sticks around, that’s what leads to a variant. And that is a really, really common thing to have happen among viruses.”

'We need to understand what's coming'

How many variants are there?

Hallberg, who is medical director of the 

University of Minnesota Physicians Mill City Clinic

, said the public would be right to worry, though. These variants spread faster, which could overwhelm the health care system. 

Still, he said there is good news: Existing vaccines are still effective against them, 

, and we already know how to prevent the spread. Masking up, washing our hands, social distancing and limiting trips outside the home still work.

Hallberg joined MPR News host Tom Crann. Click play on the audio player above to hear their conversation.

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Dr. Jon Hallberg

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The variants spread faster, but masks and social distancing still work.

The variants spread faster, but it doesn't change Dr. Jon Hallberg's advice for slowing the spread.

Hallberg: COVID-19 variants are bad news — the good news is, we know what works

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