New Covid-19 Mutation in the U.K.

By- Theresa Chen

There has recently been talk over a new Covid-19 mutation in the U.K.

Alarming News

Mutations for the Covid-19 virus is nothing new but this new variant is particularly worrisome as new data emerges. Due to the emergence of this new mutation, London inhabitants were required to go through an emergency lock down over the Christmas holidays. The new mutation has shown to be significantly more susceptible to travel and transmission between people.

A recent analysis suggested that the new mutation was 56% to 70% more transmissible than other Covid-19 strains.

Data so Far

The data and analysis so far has suggested that the new mutation, although spreading much faster, produces no additional threat than the regular Covid-19 strains. There has been a small indication that this new variation may affect younger people more drastically than past Covid-19 strains.

Where it is Now

Although first discovered and contained in London, the new Covid-19 strain has been suspected to emerge in several other countries such as Canada, Germany, and Japan. Other than this new alarming mutation, there has been an estimated thousands of other mutations that have appeared since the first appearance of Covid-19 in 2019.

Vaccine Impact

There has also been no indication that the new mutation would affect the vaccines that are currently being produced and distributed in the United States. It is possible, however, that new mutations could affect the vaccine efficiency and scientists would have to alter the vaccine. This would not be too worrisome as it is the same thing that happens to the seasonal flu every year. One benefit that the Covid-19 has over the flu is that the virus has a self-correcting mechanism that will lower the chances that it mutates.

Source- Washington Post