It is too soon to tell wehether this new strain is deadlier than the Manaus version, Mello said. A new variant of the Brazilian coronavirus has been identified this week, according to Rio de Janeiro health authorities. The P1 Manaus strain seems to have mutated. Hence, the new version has been named P.1.2., scientists in Rio said. The new variant P.1.2 was identified in 5.85% of the 376 samples taken in 57 municipalities of the state of Rio, second only to São Paulo in the total number of cases nationwide. So far it cannot be said that this variant is more contagious or lethal, which is a mutation of P1, Rio State Health Undersecretary Claudia Mello said in a statement. She also explained that the new variant was found mainly in the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, but also the metropolitan area and coastal municipalities.