16 January, 2026, 8:29 am Central - 26°C Clouds

Another new coronavirus variant seen in the UK

Another new coronavirus variant seen in the UK

By Navitalai Naivalurua
17/02/2021
[Image: BBC]

Scientists have identified another new variant of coronavirus in the UK with some potentially troubling mutations.

B.1.525 appears similar to the South African variant which prompted door-to-door tests in areas where it has been found.

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

The new variant has been seen in other countries, including Denmark, Nigeria and the US.

UK experts are studying the virus to understand what risk it poses.

It is too soon to say if it should be added to the UK's list of "variants of concern" and whether mass testing should happen for it.

As of now, the new variant is under investigation.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the total number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 109 million and more than 2.4 million people have died from COVID-19 worldwide.

[Source: BBC]

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