Variant 50% more transmissible
VIRUSES mutate all the time, including the novel coronavirus that’s caused the global Covid-19 pandemic. Most of the changes have no apparent effect. But recent variants that have emerged in the UK, South Africa and Brazil are causing particular concern. They don't appear to be any more virulent, but studies suggest they are more contagious than other strains.
More people getting infected could lead to a surge in hospitalisations, as has happened in England and elsewhere, and potentially more deaths. Authorities have imposed new travel curbs and continue to urge people to take precautions in public, like wearing masks. Medicine manufacturers say their vaccines should still be effective, while research is ongoing.
