As health authorities around the world start administering the first COVID-19 shots, a “new strain” of the SARS-CoV-2 has emerged. It has been dubbed as more infectious , according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The British media described the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, first detected in Kent in September, as one that “appears to spread more quickly”. This has sparked fears that COVID-19 cases may spike, further accelerating the pandemic.
Now, there s a need for more clarity and lesser misunderstanding on this new variant. Here’s a Q&A of what we know so far:
What happened? What s the rough timeline? How many were infected with the new strain?
In the next few weeks, as laboratory work progresses
, South Africans should get a clearer picture of its new Covid-19 variant, says Professor Tulio de Oliveira, director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP). KRISP coordinates the genetic research into the virus in South Africa.
He warns that the new variant – called 501.V2 – is now clearly driving the surge in cases in South Africa, which is threatening to engulf its healthcare infrastructure.
Over the past nine days, more than 100 000 new Covid cases have been confirmed, with more than 200 people now dying every day.
While it is not expected that the new variant is causing more severe symptoms, De Oliveira says he won’t be surprised if the virus is found to be between 40% and 70% more transmissible than the original virus strain (in line with the UK’s 501Y variant). This means that you are much likelier to contract the virus when exposed to it.
Africa: SARS-CoV-2 Variant - United Kingdom allafrica.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from allafrica.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
SA s Covid variant: How much more contagious it may be, and what it could mean for vaccines Dec 28, 2020, 02:45 PM
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An illustration of Covid-19. (Getty)
SA s new Covid-19 variant is still being analysed, but one of SA s top genetic scientists expects it to be between 40% to 70% more transmissible.
Some of its unique mutations could also force vaccine producers to update their jabs.
Scientists now think variants could originate in people with very weak immune systems due to illnesses like cancer.
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In the next few weeks, as laboratory work progresses
, South Africans should get a clearer picture of its new Covid-19 variant, says Professor Tulio de Oliveira, director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP). KRISP coordinates the genetic research into the virus in South Africa.
New Covid strain was spotted in South Africa thetimes.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thetimes.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.