British MPs have been told that a new variant of coronavirus is found and is growing faster in few parts of England. Matt Hancock, Health Secretary said that almost 60 different local authorities have reported COVID infections which are caused by the new variant.

He said that the World Health Organization hasbeen notified and UK scientists are under taking the detailed studies on it. He said there was nothing to propose whether it caused worse disease or that upcoming vaccines won’t work.

He communicated with MPs in the House of Commons that there have been sharp and unexpected rises in coronavirus cases across London, Kent and few parts of Essex and Hertfordshire. They don’t know the extent of the new variant but they have to take immediate and decisive action to control this coronavirus disease as the vaccines are rolled out.

Prof Chris Whitty, Englands Chief Medical Officer said that the current COVID-19 swab tests can detect the new variant found predominantly in Kent and neighbouring areas. The changes or mutations can involve the spike protein of the virus, which is the part that infect cells and the target COVID-19 vaccines are designed around it. It is too early to understand the exact behaviour of the virus.

Director of Wellcome, Dr Jeremy Farrar, said that it was possibly serious. The surveillance and research studies should continue and the necessary steps should be taken to be alert ahead of the virus.

Matt Hancock said the new variant of coronavirus might be associated with the rapid spread in the south-east of England. New strains might be more common for reasons nothing to do with the virus. One clarification for the rise of the "Spanish strain" during the summer was tourism. At present, there are terrifying headlines everywhere with no scientific detail regarding its significance.

Source: ET Healthworld