However, they believe that the combination is unique, therefore not making it the same strain. The discovery was made by Helsinki-based Vita Laboratories. In a statement scientists who discovered the strain said: “Vita Laboratoriot Oy and the Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Helsinki have detected a previously unknown variant of the coronavirus in a sample from southern Finland. “Mutations in this variant make it difficult to detect in at least one of the WHO-recommended PCR tests. “This discovery could have a significant impact on determining the spread of the disease.” Covid new strain: How deadly is the Finnish coronavirus variant? (Image: GETTY)