Seventeen mutations need to be identified in the genetic make-up of the SARS-CoV-2 virus before it can be confirmed that it is the new variant that originated in the UK.

Scientists carrying out genome sequencing at the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology stated that NIVs biosafety level four (BSL-4) laboratory in Pune became the first lab to successfully isolate and culture the variant on Saturday from the sample of a COVID-positive individual who had returned from the UK. Scientist Varsha Potdar, head of National Influenza Centre at NIV said that all 17 mutations need to be detected to confirm that its the UK strain. The whole genome of the virus has to be mapped, and not just the spike gene… (ET Healthworld – TNN, January 4, 2021)