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As far as researchers can see, a new coronavirus variant detected in northwestern France is not deadly or more contagious, but as far as it is concerned, it is much more difficult to detect. Officials say the new variant was found after further tests were done on patients who had COVID symptoms but were initially tested negative for the virus during standard PCR tests, Bloomberg reports. Samples of blood taken or deep into the respiratory system confirmed that they were infected. French authorities say eight cases of the variant have been confirmed in a group of 79 patients in a Brittany hospital.
“Investigations will be carried out to determine how this variant responds to vaccinations and antibodies developed during previous COVID infections,” said the local health authority in France. they investigate whether the changes make it more difficult to detect the standard survey. The infection rate in Brittany is currently much lower than the rate in Paris and environs, but cases have risen in Brittany in recent weeks, Reuters reports. France says international agencies have been contacted about the new variant. (Read more COVID variant stories.)