The British Government confirmed Wednesday that a new and potentially more infectious variant of the coronavirus was identified in South Africa, and has emerged in the United Kingdom earlier this month.
What We Know:
- British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced to reporters on Wednesday that a new variant of coronavirus was identified in two cases “thanks to the impressive genomic capability of the South Africans”.
“This new variant is highly concerning, because it is yet more transmissible, and it appears to have mutated further than the new variant has been discovered in the UK,” he said.
- Differing from other mutations of the virus, this new variant is likely more contagious than previous versions of the virus. The variant, which now accounts for more than 60% of the cases in London, has 17 different mutations in its genetic code. Eight of those mutations occur in a critical part of the virus, called the spike protein, which reaches out and binds to human cells during the initial stages of infection.
- As scientists learned more about the genetic mutation of the disease, countries around the world began closing their borders to those coming in from South Africa. Earlier this month, scientists in the United Kingdom detected the new strain of the virus, which is believed to have mutated as early as September. Health officials have now closed international travel to the U.K. and the British government has locked down much of the country, as well.
- According to the World Health Organization, the new variant has yet been identified in Denmark, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, and Australia. Many European countries, including those mentioned, have begun to close their borders as a result.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the new coronavirus strain could be circulating in the U.S. unnoticed. Thus far, the new variants have not yet been detected within the United States. Meanwhile, countries are also re-implementing stay-at-home orders and mask mandates.
- President Trump’s vaccine czar, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, said Monday that the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 shots should be effective against the new strain.
Individuals around the world are beginning to receive the first dose of the vaccine for the coronavirus, which is nearing a global death toll of 2 million in just one year.
