| UPDATED: 20:20, Fri, Mar 5, 2021
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The Covid virus has inevitably mutated. But while this may sound frightening, all viruses naturally mutate as they spread through a population, so coronavirus is just following in its genetic trajectory. The COVID-19 virus has, in fact, changed at a slower pace compared to other viruses like seasonal flu, which mutates so quickly that a new vaccine has to be introduced every year. Covid is an RNA virus, like the flu and measles, a type which is more prone to mutations that DNA viruses like herpes and smallpox.
Thursday February 25, 2021, 8:42 AM
Additional testing and genomic sequencing is being deployed in targeted areas in the HP10 postcode in Buckinghamshire and SW8 and SW9 postcodes. Credit: ITV News
Coronavirus surge testing is being rolled out in parts of Buckinghamshire and Lambeth after the South Africa variant was detected locally.
Additional testing and genomic sequencing is being deployed in targeted areas in the HP10 postcode in Buckinghamshire and SW8 and SW9 postcodes in the south London borough of Lambeth.
The Department for Health and Social Care said people in the area are strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 test when offered, whether they are showing symptoms or not.
A Labour-run council has ramped up the price of parking permits to up a whopping £690 in the latest escalation of the capital s war on motorists.
Merton Council in south-west London wants to boost the amount people have to pay to park outside their own homes in a bid to cut air pollution.
It is believed the permits would be the most expensive in Britain.
Charges for the most polluting cars will cost up to £540 per year, in addition to the existing £150 levy for all diesel vehicles and older petrol models.
It has sparked fears more councils will look to hike their prices. It is thought the move could add as much as £1million a year to the authority s coffers.