Two new variants of coronavirus discovered in England under investigation

LONDON (Reuters) – Two new variants of COVID-19, one of which has been classified as “of concern” have been identified in England with some similarities to the South African and Brazilian variants, a scientific advisory committee of the government.

One of the new variants, first identified in Bristol, has been named a ‘variant of concern’ by the Advisory Group on New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats.

The other, identified for the first time in Liverpool, was designated “Variant under investigation” by the group.

The new variants have the E484K mutation, which occurs on the spike protein of the virus, which is the same change seen in the South African and Brazilian variants that have raised international concerns.

Public Health England has now identified 76 cases of the new variants and is confident the vaccines will work against them.