The more contagious variant of the coronavirus that was first detected in Britain is estimated to account for around 17.8% of all new COVID-19 cases in Italy, stated the health ministry.

The estimated COVID-19 reproduction “R” number has reportedly increased to 0.95 from 0.84 during the last week, added the health ministry. Officials cautioned that new restrictions will be announced for several regions. British scientists had stated that the variant, first detected in southeast England at the end of 2020, is about 70% more contagious than other variants, and is associated with a 30% higher mortality risk. Italy’s National Institute of Health stated that this variant would probably become the dominant one in Italy in the months to come… (Reuters, February 12, 2021)