New coronavirus strain in UK: SARS-CoV-2 variant appears more contagious, but is unlikely to render vaccines ineffective The new variant came to the attention of researchers in December, when it began to turn up more frequently in samples from parts of southern England Representational image. AP
In recent days, the world has watched with curiosity and growing alarm as scientists in the United Kingdom have described a newly identified variant of the coronavirus that appears to be more contagious than, and genetically distinct from, more established variants. Initial studies of the new variant prompted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to tighten restrictions over Christmas, and spurred officials in the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries to ban travel from the U.K.
By Yucatan Times on December 23, 2020
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In recent days, the world has watched with curiosity and growing alarm as scientists in the United Kingdom have described a newly identified variant of the coronavirus that appears to be more contagious than, and genetically distinct from, more established variants. Initial studies of the new variant prompted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to tighten restrictions over Christmas, and spurred officials in the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries to ban travel from the U.K.
The new variant is now the focus of intense debate and analysis. Here’s some of what scientists have learned so far.
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The new, highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 strain circulating in the United Kingdom is likely already sowing COVID-19 around the world, scientists say, fueling worries about recent surges that have swamped hospitals and whether it can thwart currently authorized vaccines.
The fact that the variant has developed 23 mutations in a matter of months is also reason for concern, top US experts say.
The variant, called B.1.1.7, has caused upwards of 50% of COVID-19 cases from Oct 5 and Dec 13 in the UK, mostly in people younger than 60 years, according to a Dec 21 World Health Organization report. An observed increase in the virus reproduction number (R
The new UK variant of coronavirus raises urgent questions about pandemic policy
“The bottom line is that we need to suppress transmission of all SARS-CoV-2 viruses as quickly as we can. The more we allow it to spread, the more opportunity it has to change. I cannot stress enough to all governments and people how important it is to take the necessary precautions to limit transmission.” Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
On December 14, Public Health England (PHE) informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, designated VUI-202012/01, which stands for the first Variant Under Investigation in December 2020. By December 13, 1,108 cases of this specific variant had been identified, predominantly from south and east of England.
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