dec 22, 2020 - New Covid variant in the UK
Description:
The government has announced that the newly identified variant of coronavirus is up to 70 per more transmissible than the original form of the pathogen.
This has led to a surge in cases and hospitalisations across London, the south and the southeast, with the government forced to introduce a new series of restrictions that will attempt to halt the spread of Covid-19.
So, what do we know about the variant?
This version of the virus spreads far more easily between people as a result of a series of mutations that have been identified in the pathogen’s genetic coding. It is not, however, believed to cause more severe Covid disease or higher rates of mortality.
Due to its highly infectious nature, the new variant, called VUI 202012/01, could increase the country’s R rate by 0.4 per cent if allowed to spread unchecked, the UK government has said.
Scientists have said it could also be better at infecting children. Professor Neil Ferguson said there has been a statistically significant increase in cases linked to this variant among under 15-year-olds compared to other mutated versions of the virus. This is being investigated.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said analysis showed that the variant contains 23 different genetic changes. (The Independant)
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