Coronavirus strain found in Bristol that is similar to South African virus is listed as a ‘variant of concern’ and has been spotted 21 times across the UK
- New Bristol variant adds to confusion of virus types circulating in Britain
- It is characterised by key mutations from Kent and South Africa variants in one
- This suggests it could spread fast and also get past immunity from vaccines
The coronavirus variant found in Bristol that has a mutation similar to that found on the South African strain has been labelled a ‘variant of concern’ by UK scientists.
Public Health England said it has now found 21 cases of the mutated virus, with 14 in Bristol and the South West, four in Manchester and three unknown.
It is a version of the Kent variant which has mutated further to develop a change associated with the South African strain which may make vaccines less effective.
Because it has mutated in a way that could make it able to get past immunity from past infection or a vaccine, experts are desperate to stamp it out.
NERVTAG, an expert virology group that forms part of government advisory panel SAGE, today labelled the virus a ‘variant of concern’.
It becomes the third variant of concern in Britain, alongside the now-dominant Kent variant and the South African one. A fourth – one of two strains from Brazil – is listed by Public Health England but it has not yet been found in the UK.
Experts said they were worried about the Bristol variant’s combination of mutations because it would be ‘at least as transmissible’ as the fast-spreading Kent variant but also potentially able to dodge immunity from vaccines.
The Department of Health announced today it had finished its surge testing – which is used to weed out these variants – in Woking, but started it in Lambeth, London.
The Government has deployed surge testing to areas where the South African variant, or ones with similar mutations, have been found in the community. Professor Van-Tam reassured viewers that only a ‘small number’ of cases have been discovered
The spread of differing variants across Britain is causing a storm now because of the risk that one will render the long-awaited vaccines less effective.
And the fact that they have been discovered during lockdown, said PHE’s Dr Susan Hopkins, was a blessing because it was easier to control them.
‘I think why we’re getting on top of these now is, because the R is below one, we have a chance to get on top of them,’ she told a briefing today.
‘When we release in March, April and May, things will be more challenging.’