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A new variant of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Britain and prompting high levels of concern among its European neighbors. The strain is said to be up to 70% more transmissible than the previously dominant strain in the UK https://reut.rs/37De7pd 1/5
Are the concerns justified?
Most scientists say yes. The new variant has rapidly become the dominant strain in cases of COVID-19 in parts of southern England, and has been linked to an increase in hospitalization rates, especially in London and in the adjacent county of Kent 2/5
Most scientists say yes. The new variant has rapidly become the dominant strain in cases of COVID-19 in parts of southern England, and has been linked to an increase in hospitalization rates, especially in London and in the adjacent county of Kent 2/5
Why?
The main worry is that the variant is significantly more transmissible than the original strain. Scientists say it is about 40%-70% more transmissible. This means it is spreading faster in Britain 3/5
The main worry is that the variant is significantly more transmissible than the original strain. Scientists say it is about 40%-70% more transmissible. This means it is spreading faster in Britain 3/5
Does the new variant affect testing?
To some extent, yes.
One of the mutations in the new variant affects one of three genomic targets used by some PCR tests. This means that in those tests, that target area, or 'channel,' would come up negative 4/5
To some extent, yes.
One of the mutations in the new variant affects one of three genomic targets used by some PCR tests. This means that in those tests, that target area, or 'channel,' would come up negative 4/5
Did this new variant originate in Britain?
Britain’s chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance said he thought the new variant might have started in the UK. Some scientists in Europe have credited British expertise in genomic surveillance for identifying the mutation 5/5
Britain’s chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance said he thought the new variant might have started in the UK. Some scientists in Europe have credited British expertise in genomic surveillance for identifying the mutation 5/5
