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British scientists have said the new variant of the COVID-19 virus, first detected in the UK, is likely linked to the increase in hospitalizations and the higher death rate. In a new study, scientists from the British government have supported the earlier theory that the new variant is not only highly contagious but also more deadly, contributing to an increase in deaths in the country. Scientists previously said there is a “realistic possibility” that the new variant could contribute to the increase in deaths, now they say it is “likely” to cause more deaths than any previous mutations. virus.
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The UK government has yet to publicly announce the latest findings, but it did publish the document on its website on February 12. The document titled “NERVTAG: Severity Update Note B.1.1.7, February 11, 2021”, indicates that the new variant B.1.1.7 causes increased severity of disease in people compared to people. infected with other variants.
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“There is evidence from the analysis of several different data sets that infection with VOC B1.1.7 is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and death compared to infection with non-VOC viruses,” indicates the document.
The report did not clarify the reason for the increase in hospitalizations and deaths, but scientists suggest that the new variant may have higher viral loads, which could be the cause as it makes the strain more contagious and more difficult to process.
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Situation of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom
The UK is currently witnessing a second wave, which is likely fueled by the new strain of the COVID-19 virus. On February 12, the UK recorded more than 14,000 new cases and more than 750 new deaths. The UK is past its peak, dropping from an average of over 50,000 new cases to 15,000 cases per day. However, the infection rate is still high compared to some of the other countries on the worst affected list.
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