5 things to know about the new COVID-19 strain

Chennai

London and southeast England may stay under tighter curbs for some time to stem a fast-spreading new coronavirus strain, Britain’s health minister suggested on Sunday.

The variant, which officials say is up to 70% more transmissible than the original, also prompted concerns about a wider spread. Several European countries, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium, said they were taking measures to prevent people arriving from Britain, including bans on flights and trains.

Here’s what we know so far about it:

New strain of COVID-19 in the UK:

A few days ago, a new type of coronavirus strain was discovered in the southeast of England. Although there is no definitive information about this new type of strain, it is said that the new strain transforms more quickly.

Is it threatening?

Although there is no evidence that it is very dangerous, its spread is of concern to the public and the country's health infrastructure.

Is this new strain spreading fast?

This new mutant strain, widely found in London and the South East and East England in the early days, has now been detected across the UK. So, this mutant strain seems to be spreading fast.

Changes detected in the new mutant strain:

According to the initial analysis, 17 potential alterations were identified in the virus. Some of the changes will make it easier for the virus to be more transmissible.

Will the leading vaccines work against the new mutant strain?