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Labeled SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01, this variant of coronavirus contains 23 nucleotide substitutions (i.e. mutations). The disturbing mutant first appeared in the south-east of England and has since spread.
As of December 26, the new variant had been identified from routine sampling and genomic testing carried out across the UK.
Preliminary results suggest that it is more transmissible, which means it is more contagious.
So far, there has been no change in the severity of the disease – measured by the length of hospital stay and the 28-day death rate.
With this knowledge in mind, there is still time for the data regarding the severity of this variant’s disease to change.
At this time, there are no concerns that SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 is more likely to re-infect people compared to other circulating coronavirus variants.
However, it has certainly traveled around the world, now reported in 31 other countries.
Other variations
The WHO reported in August 2020 that a variant of SARS-CoV-2 was linked to an infection in farmed mink, which was then transmitted to humans.
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On December 18, a new variant in South Africa was announced, circulating in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Early investigations suggested that this variant of the coronavirus is associated with a “higher viral load”.
This means that there is a potential for more transmissibility, in other words, it could be more contagious.
As of yet, there is “no clear evidence” of its association with more serious illness or worse outcomes.
Why are there so many variants of the coronavirus?
Dr Jeremy Ross, writing for Science Focus, confirmed that viruses mutate.
“The majority of mutations will have no impact on the virus or on the disease,” he said.
However, the WHO keeps a watchful eye on SARS-CoV-2 because certain mutations allow “greater growth, greater transmissibility or escape of the immune system”.
“Mutations are possible at any time,” added Dr Ross, but fortunately “SARS-CoV-2 mutates very slowly.”
Dr Ross assured: “For this reason, it is likely that our new [vaccine] treatments will continue to be effective.
“[It’s also likely that] the behavior of the virus will not change drastically over the next few months. “
However, Dr Ross stresses the importance of ending the pandemic, because the longer the virus continues to circulate, the greater the chances of a new mutation.
How would you like the pandemic to end? Does it include national lockdowns, vaccinations and / or the continuation of normal life? Please comment below.
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