Coronavirus, another English variant identified: already 38 positive

• Gb: English variant, scientists alert on evolution reported in Bristol, Manchester

• Covid: in Italy the English variant in almost 20% of cases

Share

February 16, 2021 Scientists have identified another variant of the coronavirus in the UK with some potentially worrying mutations.

The BBC reports. 

Dubbed B.1.525, the variant looks similar to the South African variant which required door-to-door testing in areas where it was spotted. 

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found 38 cases so far - 2 in Wales and 36 in England - in samples dating back to December.

It has also been detected in other countries, including Denmark, Nigeria and the United States. 

British experts are studying to understand what risks it entails.

It is still early days, writes the BBC, to determine whether this variant will be added to the UK's list of "worrying variants" and whether mass testing will be carried out.

It is currently a "variant under observation".