This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/uk/515072-two-new-covid-variants-uk/
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| 2 more indigenous Covid-19 variants identified in UK cities of Liverpool and Bristol | 2 more indigenous Covid-19 variants identified in UK cities of Liverpool and Bristol |
| (7 months later) | |
| A further two new Covid-19 variants have been detected in the UK, the government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) said on Tuesday while confirming they are investigating the strains. | A further two new Covid-19 variants have been detected in the UK, the government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) said on Tuesday while confirming they are investigating the strains. |
| NERVTAG has classified a mutation of the earlier so-called UK variant – called B117 – as a new “variant of concern” after 14 cases were discovered in Bristol, four in Manchester and three in other areas. Officials also declared another new strain of Covid-19 discovered in Liverpool as a “variant under investigation.” | NERVTAG has classified a mutation of the earlier so-called UK variant – called B117 – as a new “variant of concern” after 14 cases were discovered in Bristol, four in Manchester and three in other areas. Officials also declared another new strain of Covid-19 discovered in Liverpool as a “variant under investigation.” |
| Public Health England (PHE) has identified at least 42 cases of the Liverpool variant across the city, while other infections have been reported in nearby Warrington and in parts of Lancashire. | Public Health England (PHE) has identified at least 42 cases of the Liverpool variant across the city, while other infections have been reported in nearby Warrington and in parts of Lancashire. |
| Both the variants feature the E484K mutation in the spike protein of the coronavirus, which was first seen in the Covid-19 variant from South Africa and then in the strain originating from Brazil. | Both the variants feature the E484K mutation in the spike protein of the coronavirus, which was first seen in the Covid-19 variant from South Africa and then in the strain originating from Brazil. |
| Scientists believe the original B117 variant, first discovered in Kent last year, will still be covered by current Covid-19 vaccines, and that people who get the jab will be protected against developing severe illnesses even after contracting the strain. | Scientists believe the original B117 variant, first discovered in Kent last year, will still be covered by current Covid-19 vaccines, and that people who get the jab will be protected against developing severe illnesses even after contracting the strain. |
| However, the new variants could prove a headache for health chiefs, as the E484K mutation “appears to have an impact on the body’s immune response and, possibly, vaccine efficacy,” according to the British Medical Journal. | However, the new variants could prove a headache for health chiefs, as the E484K mutation “appears to have an impact on the body’s immune response and, possibly, vaccine efficacy,” according to the British Medical Journal. |
| In the UK, Covid-19 variants are investigated by health officials if they show “concerning epidemiological, immunological or pathogenic properties,” and following a risk assessment, they may be designated a “variant of concern.” | In the UK, Covid-19 variants are investigated by health officials if they show “concerning epidemiological, immunological or pathogenic properties,” and following a risk assessment, they may be designated a “variant of concern.” |
| On Tuesday, the UK reported a further 12,364 new Covid-19 cases and 1,052 deaths within 28 days of a positive test. More than 12.6 million people across the country have now received their first dose of a vaccine against the virus, according to government data. | On Tuesday, the UK reported a further 12,364 new Covid-19 cases and 1,052 deaths within 28 days of a positive test. More than 12.6 million people across the country have now received their first dose of a vaccine against the virus, according to government data. |
| Like this story? Share it with a friend! | Like this story? Share it with a friend! |
| Dear readers and commenters, | |
| We have implemented a new engine for our comment section. We hope the transition goes smoothly for all of you. Unfortunately, the comments made before the change have been lost due to a technical problem. We are working on restoring them, and hoping to see you fill up the comment section with new ones. You should still be able to log in to comment using your social-media profiles, but if you signed up under an RT profile before, you are invited to create a new profile with the new commenting system. | |
| Sorry for the inconvenience, and looking forward to your future comments, | |
| RT Team. |