London: The UK’s health authorities have confirmed that a new and “most significant” variant of Covid-19 is officially under investigation in the country as the government on Friday added six countries to its travel ban red list from southern Africa, where B.1.1.529 strain was first identified.
The latest variant is the most heavily mutated version discovered so far. First identified in South Africa at the start of this week, the strain has already spread to neighbouring countries, including Botswana, where it has been reportedly detected in fully vaccinated people.
The UK has applied travel restrictions on arrivals from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia starting Friday, as the government reiterated that no cases of the new mutation had been detected in the UK so far.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the variant includes a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome which could potentially be more transmissible and evasive to vaccine immunity.
“This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is under way to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility,” said Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive.
“The results of these investigations will determine what public health actions may limit the impact of B.1.1.529. This is a clear reminder to everyone that this pandemic is not over, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to limit transmission and reduce the infection rate and prevent the emergence of new variants,” she said.
Variant B.1.1.529
- Still unclear where the new coronavirus variant emerged
- Was first detected in South Africa and has also been seen in travellers to Hong Kong and Botswana
- Linked to an “exponential rise” in cases over the last few days
- No indications that it causes more severe or unusual disease
Why are scientists worried
- The variant appears to have a high number of mutations — about 30 — in the coronavirus’ spike protein, which can affect how easily it spreads
- Data suggest it has mutations “consistent with enhanced transmissibility”
- While it is possible that the new variant is able to reinfect previously immunised people, scientists say they cannot make any robust predictions about its expected transmissibility or virulence based on its genetic make-up alone.