Scientists Investigate Newly-Discovered Coronavirus Strain in the UK

Scientists in the United Kingdom are currently evaluating a new coronavirus variant to find out if it is adding to a faster transmission of COVID-19 in some parts of the country.

Health news site reported, according to Public Health England or PHE, more than 1,100 cases with this new variant, called 'VUI - 202012/01', "as it is the first variant under investigation" this month, had been detected as of December 13.

On December 14, Matt Hancock, the UK Health Secretary said, at least 60 different local authorities, primarily in the South and East of England, were able to record COVID-19 contagions resulting from the said new variant.

Researchers following the virus's genetics, from the COVID-19 Genomics UK or COG-UK Consortium, issued a statement on the said day, explaining that this new variant comprises a large number of mutations.

Of specific interest to scientists, according to the said report, is the N501Y mutation, found in the Pike protein, where the coronavirus is binding with the receptors "on host cells in the human body."

The statement verified that "initiatives are underway to validate whether any of these mutations" is a contributor to the increased spread of the virus or not.

Not Necessarily a 'Worse' Coronavirus Stain

Hancock explained, it is totally normal for a virus to mutate. For instance, seasonal influenza or flu mutates each year, which makes the flu shot available every year, too.

Therefore, a new coronavirus strain, according to health experts, is not necessarily "a 'worse' strain" than any other virus.

To senior scholar Amesh Adalja, MD, from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Maryland, this virus constantly mutates.

Adalja, an infectious disease expert, added, while mutations are frequently "the stuff of Hollywood movies," most of them do not have a functional implication.

The same message also came from the interim chief medical advisor of the UK's National Health Service's Test and Trace program, Dr. Susa Hopkins.

Specifically, Hopkins, also PHE joint medical advisor, said, per the statement from PHE, it is not expected that this virus should progress, and it is essential "that we spot any changes" fast to understand the probable risk any strain may posture.

At present, she explained, there is no evidence showing that this variant leads to more severe illnesses, even though it is being identified in a large-scale geography, particularly where there are "increased cases being detected."

Mutations Quite Common

According to the World Health Organization emergencies program's executive director. Dr. Michael Ryan, the WHO, was aware of this new coronavirus stain.

In a press conference, Professor Chris Whitty, the UK's chief medical officer, said there is nothing to recommend that a vaccine would not work against the new variant. Whitty confirmed, too, that the present COVID-19 swab tests being used in the UK can identify the virus.

He explained, there is still quite a small percentage of the populace that are thought to presently have immunity because of previous infection.

Therefore, there is no huge selection pressure on this virus. And thus, said Whitty, it would be surprising, although not impossible, if the new variation would, in fact, "have evolved to be able to be able to get around the vaccine."

Dr. Adalja said, there are changes in coronavirus, and new strains become common, it is essential to follow mutations of the study.

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