- Today the UK Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, announced the discovery of a new coronavirus variant in the South East of England
- Researchers predict that it is highly unlikely the new strain will be resistant to the current vaccines.
- On Wednesday morning, London and nearby areas will return to strict lockdown measures as cases begin to rise.
According to Matt Hancock, the UK Health Secretary, public health officials first discovered a new coronavirus variant last week. The discovery was made during a routine surveillance in Kent. Since then, over a thousand cases with the new variant have been identified. The authorities have informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of the development.
In the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capabilities in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South East of England
UK Health Secretary, Matt Hancock
New Coronavirus Variant is Called VUI – 202012/01
In a statement to the House of Commons, the Health Secretary also talked about the exponential rise in cases in the south of England. In some regions, researchers have reported a doubling of cases every seven days. However, it is still unclear whether the rise in cases is due to the new variant.
In response to the rise in cases, the U.K. government is placing London, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire under a Tier 3 restriction. This is the highest level of restrictions and will result in restaurants and pubs closing in the areas along with strict travel restrictions.
We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock
A Warning Sign
The current mutation involves the spike protein of the virus. This is the part that helps the virus adhere to cells in the respiratory system and thus cause infections. Although a mutation can likely result in a stronger binding to human cells, and increased infection, current evidence states otherwise.
Since its emergence last year, scientists have recorded over 4,000 mutations in the spike protein gene of SARS-CoV-2. None of which resulted in a deadlier infection or greater spread. Furthermore, mutations can often result in a weaker virus strain as well.
Officials are questioning whether the current vaccines won’t be effective against the new variant. According to England’s Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty, that is highly unlikely at the moment. Furthermore, the current swab tests have been able to detect the new strain.
Although the novel coronavirus is mutating at a slower rate than influenza or HIV, scientists are still keeping a close eye to stay ahead of the virus.
Reference:
Kelland, K. (2020, December 15). New coronavirus strain spreading in UK has key mutations, scientists say. Retrieved December 15, 2020, from https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-britain-variant/new-coronavirus-strain-spreading-in-uk-has-key-mutations-scientists-say-idUSKBN28P158
