Thursday December 24, 2020, 12:11 AM
Samples were detected outside of London and the South East of England where the new strain is thought to have originated. Credit: PA
Researchers have found the new and more infectious variant of Covid-19 has already spread around the UK, with cases identified in south Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Covid-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium sampled cases around the UK and found the variant in the South West, Midlands and North of England – areas that are under Tier 2 and 3 restrictions.
London and parts of South East England were put under tougher Tier 4 restrictions last Sunday due to concerns over the new strain which scientists believe is spreading more quickly than the previous form.
Genomic researchers have found the new and more infectious variant of Covid-19 has already spread around the UK, with cases identified in Wales and Scotland.
The Covid-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium sampled cases around the UK and found the variant is also in the South West, Midlands and North of England – areas that are under Tier 2 and 3 restrictions.
Scientists Professor Lawrence Young and Professor Robert Dingwall explained the new variant is more transmissible because it “sticks” more easily to receptors in the throat and nose – which preliminary research also suggests is the reason it seems to be more prevalent among children.
New variant of Covid-19 has already spread around the UK – scientist asianimage.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from asianimage.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.