What we know so far about the new coronavirus strain found in Britain
- The genetic mutation is probably more easily transmitted than earlier strains prompting a UK travel ban in dozens of countries
- But so far there is no evidence to suggest it is more deadly and scientists are hopeful that vaccines will still work
Scientists are racing to understand key questions about this Sars-CoV-2 variant: does it change how the virus spreads? does it cause more severe disease? and will the much-anticipated vaccines that are just starting to be rolled out worldwide still work?
More time and research is needed to better understand this variant and its implications, but this is what we do know.
What is this new variant of the novel coronavirus?
Scientists in the UK say the new strain – known as the “first variant under investigation in December 2020” (VUI – 202012/01) or B117 – has been spreading rapidly in the country and appears to be more easily transmitted.
Variants emerge regularly because viruses naturally mutate, but so far in the pandemic this has not been a major driver of change in how the novel coronavirus spreads or causes disease.