The new variant of coronavirus initially identified in the UK is reportedly more infectious. But there is no evidence to suggest it is more deadly.The World Health Organization held a media brief on COVID-19 and stated that they are aware of the new variants of the COVID-19 virus in South Africa and the UK. They are working with scientists to understand how genetic changes affect the virus's behavior. The experts briefed there is no evidence that the virus's new variant is more likely to cause severe disease or mortality. The UK had reported a new strain of the COVID-19 on Dec. 14, 2020. UK scientists have named it VUI – 202012/01, and the mutations include changes in the spike protein, which increases the transmission rate in humans. The UK government has imposed a strict lockdown as officials have confirmed a surge in new infection cases. The new variant found in South Africa contains a similar mutation to the UK strain but is a separate variant, according to Epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove. Researchers are investigating whether the new variant leads to more severe cases of COVID-19 or increases mortality. Currently, they have not found any evidence to suggest that the strain has an impact on disease severity, antibody response, or vaccine efficacy. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.
The UK had reported a new strain of the COVID-19 on Dec. 14, 2020. UK scientists have named it VUI – 202012/01, and the mutations include changes in the spike protein, which increases the transmission rate in humans. The UK government has imposed a strict lockdown as officials have confirmed a surge in new infection cases. The new variant found in South Africa contains a similar mutation to the UK strain but is a separate variant, according to Epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove.
Researchers are investigating whether the new variant leads to more severe cases of COVID-19 or increases mortality. Currently, they have not found any evidence to suggest that the strain has an impact on disease severity, antibody response, or vaccine efficacy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.
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