<Anchor> We
have received unwelcome news about this mutant virus.
An analysis suggests that the mutant virus, first identified in the UK, is not only more capable of spreading, but may also have a higher fatality rate.
This news is reporter Kim Jung-ki.
<Reporter>
Corona 19 mutant virus first identified in the southeastern part of the UK in September last year.
In just four months, it has spread to more than 50 countries around the world.
However, further analysis suggests that this mutation can cause 30% more deaths, following a study that shows that the number of people with the virus is 70% higher than that of the existing virus.
[Boris Johnson/British Prime Minister: There is evidence that a mutant virus originating in London and the Southeast region has a higher fatality rate.]
British government chief scientific advisor Ballas said that about 10 out of every 1,000 patients aged 60 years old with the existing virus. Although they died, the number of mutant viruses increased to 13 people.
However, it is explained that more research is needed as there is no significant difference in the fatality rate between the existing and mutant virus confirmed patients among the actual hospital inpatients.
In addition, existing Corona 19 vaccines such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca have been shown to be effective against mutant viruses originating in the UK, but concerns have also been raised that they may be less effective against mutant viruses originating in South Africa and Brazil.
Our quarantine authorities also said that there is a concern that treatments and vaccines may face challenges due to the mutant virus.
(Video editing: Jeong Seong-hoon)