Two words describe the COVID-19 pandemic right now: variants and vaccines.

Yesterday city health officials announced that the mutant found last month in Washington Heights is spreading faster than the original strain of coronavirus. 

Despite that, officials in the city, Albany, and New Jersey are pressing forward with the reopening, bolstered the vaccine rollout. 

To help translate these mixed messages and what they mean for you, WNYC Health and Science Editor Nsikan Akpan chatted with host David Furst.

For the full conversation, click "Listen." For more, head to Gothamist.