A new variant of the Covid 19 virus which seems to spread much faster than the original virus has been detected in the South East of England. Experts who have analysed the new variant have stated that it originated in the UK and was not imported from abroad. This is extremely worrying news for people who live in the UK so close to Christmas and has led to the creation of a new tier 4 threat level which has increased restrictions over the rest of the country.
The new mutated form of the virus has now spread to Wales and Scotland.
Scientists contributing to the Government surveillance programme warn the VUI – 202012/01 variant appears to be spreading faster than other forms.
Their comments at a press briefing today suggested it has quickly spread the length and breadth of Britain.
The Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) experts said the genetic analysis does not suggest it causes more severe symptoms or can evade vaccines.
Areas in tier 4 include London, Kent, Essex and Bedfordshire. Those in tier four cannot mix indoors with anyone not from their household. Elsewhere in England, Scotland and Wales, relaxed indoor mixing rules are cut from five days to Christmas Day.
People who live in a tier 4 area, must not leave or be outside the place where they live unless they have a reasonable excuse. You cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas period, unless you live with them, or they are part of your support bubble. Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household. These rules will not be relaxed for Christmas for Tier 4: you cannot form a Christmas Bubble in Tier 4.
The detection of the new strain of virus in the UK has led to many countries in the European Union introducing travel bans for people coming from England. It has also meant that more restrictions have been put on goods being imported from the UK to the EU.
The preventative measures to avoid catching Covid 19 remain the same for everyone. People must remember three simple steps to decrease their risk level. This is hands, face, space.
People should wash their hands regularly for at least twenty seconds.
Where a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult.
Stay 2 metres apart from people you don’t live with where possible or 1 metre with extra precautions in place such as wearing a face covering.
When meeting people you don’t live with, it is important to do so outdoors to allow for appropriate social distancing.
You should also try and ensure there is as much fresh air as possible by opening any available windows.
If you live in a tier 4 area, you mustn’t leave or be outside your home or garden at any time unless you have a reasonable excuse.
Analysis of the new strain of virus show that the vaccine which has been created is still effective against it but it is spreading much faster. People are recommended to get the new Covid 19 vaccine when they are contacted by their doctor to ensure that they have as much protection as possible to avoid becoming seriously ill with the virus.
One of the things that makes the new strain of virus extremely dangerous is the difference in the spike protein surrounding the virus. This means that it will find it easier to infect different cells in people’s bodies and so can spread much quicker from person to person. All viruses mutate and vary from time to time. Time has to be taken to watch them and see whether we can find an effective way to treat them and ensure that people don’t become seriously ill if they contact the virus.
