Alarming New COVID Variant In South Africa

Britain expressed concern on Thursday about a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa, which could make vaccines less effective and jeopardise efforts to combat the pandemic, Reuters says.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, the variant, known as B.1.1.529, has a spike protein that is significantly different from the one found in the original coronavirus on which COVID-19 vaccines are based.

“This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date,” UKHSA Chief Executive Jenny Harries said. “Immediate research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity, and vaccine-susceptibility.” (Reuters)