최근 코로나 바이러스 돌연변이에 관하여 (CNN)

A recent scientific article suggested that the novel coronavirus responsible for the Covid-19 epidemic has mutated into a more "aggressive" form.

Is this something we need to worry about?  No, and here's why. 

Mutations are normal:  The first claim that the coronavirus is mutating is true, and it's fine! The effects of mutation in real life are nuanced and generally innocuous. Using the idea of mutation to incite fear is harmful, especially in the midst of an epidemic like Covid-19.

A particularly fraught question during epidemics is whether the causative pathogen will mutate to become more dangerous. This is the wrong question. Mutation is a  mundane aspect of existence  for many viruses, and the novel coronavirus is no exception.

RNA and DNA:  The genetic material of the virus is RNA, not DNA like in humans. Unlike with human DNA, when viruses copy their genetic material, it does not proofread its work. Because RNA viruses essentially operate without a spell-check, they often make mistakes. These "mistakes" are mutations, and viruses mutate rapidly compared to other organisms.

Instead of fearing unlikely outcomes, we should focus on developing an effective response to the Covid-19 epidemic.