Covid-19: Another new variant added to UK watch liston March 4, 2021 at 5:28 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

It shares a worrying mutation with the South Africa and Brazil variants of concern.

Coronavirus

image copyrightGetty Images

Scientists have identified 16 cases of another new variant of coronavirus in the UK.

Public Health England has designated it as a ‘variant under investigation’ (VUI), meaning it is on their watch list, but not one they are immediately concerned about.

It has a mutation in common with the South Africa and Brazil variants.

That change, E484K, may help the virus evade some immunity from vaccination or prior infection, experts believe.

The cases were first identified on 15 February by the UK’s variant surveillance system.

Experts suspect it originated in the UK.

All 16 individuals who tested positive, and their contacts, have been traced and advised to isolate.

PHE said the cases were geographically spread across the UK. And it confirmed that surge or mass testing would not be necessary – this is only done for variants of concern (VOC), such as the Brazil one.

The UK now has 8 variants on its watch list – 4 VUIs and 4 VOCs.

Most recently, officials have been trying to track down a person in England known to have been infected with the Brazil VOC.

The search has narrowed to 379 households in south-east England. Everyone in five postcode areas of South Gloucestershire is now being invited to take a Covid test, even if they do not have symptoms.

The person infected with the variant who has not been traced used a home testing kit but did not complete their contact detail.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said incidents like this are rare and only occur in around 0.1% of tests.

It’s not unexpected that variants are appearing or that the virus will continue to change. All viruses mutate as they make new copies of themselves to spread and thrive.

But some changes may affect how well current vaccines work.

Scientists are looking at tweaking coronavirus vaccines to keep pace with the new, emerging variants to ensure that they continue to offer high protection against the disease as the virus mutates.

The UK’s drug regulator the MHRA has said new vaccines can be fast-tracked through the approval system without “lengthy” clinical studies.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

‘It was not our plan to give Man City chance to run away’ – how costly could Liverpool’s loss at Leicester be?on December 28,...

"Tonight it's 'wow' but in completely the other way," says Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool's defeat by Leicester dents their hopes in the title race

Australian Cricket: Coach Justin Langer resigns as coachon February 5, 2022 at 1:11 am

Justin Langer resigns as coach of the Australia men's cricket team, ending months of speculation as to whether he would continue in the role.

Gustavo Petro: Leftist ex-rebel wins Colombia’s presidential electionon June 20, 2022 at 12:20 am

Gustavo Petro, a former rebel fighter, will become Colombia's first left-wing leader.Image source, ReutersGustavo Petro, the leftist former mayor of Bogota and ex-rebel fighter,...

Brighton Pride 2022: Festival celebrates 30th anniversaryon August 6, 2022 at 8:45 am

Global superstar Christina Aguilera will headline a concert in the city on Saturday evening.Global superstar Christina Aguilera will headline a concert in the city...

Newcastle United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Jamaal Lascelles rues dropped pointson February 27, 2021 at 11:37 pm

Captain Jamaal Lascelles says Newcastle "need to stop talking and put points on the board" after a draw against Wolves.By Alex BysouthBBC SportNewcastle boss...