SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 is a variant containing 23 nucleotide substitutions (ie mutations). The worrying mutant first appeared in South East England and has been spreading ever since.
On 26 December, the new variant was identified from routine sampling and genomic tests conducted in the United Kingdom.
Preliminary findings suggest it is more transmissible, meaning it is more contagious.
So far, there has been no change in the severity of the disease – measured by the length of hospitalization and the 28-day fatal case.
With this knowledge in mind, there is still time for data on the severity of the disease’s illness.
At present, there is no concern that SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 is more likely to re-infect humans compared to other coronavirus variants in circulation.
However, it has certainly traveled all over the world, which is now reported in 31 other countries.
Other variants
The WHO reported in August 2020 that a SARS-CoV-2 variant was linked to infection among cultured mink, which was subsequently transmitted to humans.
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On 18 December, a new variant is announced in South Africa that distributes the provinces of Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Early investigations have suggested that this coronavirus variant is associated with a “higher virus load”.
This means that there is more transmissibility, in other words, it can be more contagious.
For now, there is ‘no clear evidence’ that this is accompanied by more serious illnesses or worse outcomes.
Why are there so many coronavirus variants?
Dr. Jeremy Ross, writing for Science Focus, confirmed that viruses mutate.
“Most mutations have no effect on the virus or on the disease,” he added.
However, the WHO monitors SARS-CoV-2, as some mutations ‘allow for greater growth, transmissibility or escape from the immune system’.
“Mutations are possible at any time,” Dr Ross added, but fortunately “SARS-CoV-2 mutates very slowly”.
Dr Ross assures: ‘As a result, it is likely that our new [vaccine] treatments will still remain effective.
“[It’s also likely that] the behavior of the virus will not change dramatically in the coming months. ‘
However, Dr. Ross stresses the importance of ending the pandemic, because the longer the virus continues to circulate, the greater the chance of a new mutation.
How do you want the pandemic to end? Does it include national lock-ups, vaccinations and / or continued life as normal? Comment below.