UK identifies a new Covid19 variant

SkyNews reports that scientists have identified 16 cases of a new COVID variant in the UK. Public Health England (PHE) said the cases were first detected on 15 February through genomic horizon scanning.

The variant is understood to have originated in the UK, and it contains the E484K mutation, which is also found in two existing VUIs present in the UK, but does not feature the N501Y mutation, present in all variants of concern (VOCs). The E484K mutation is present in variants that emerged in South Africa and Brazil and is believed to help the virus evade neutralising antibodies.

It is a mutation to the spike protein – a protein found on the outside of the virus that plays a key role in helping the virus to enter cells.

It added that all those who tested positive and their contacts have been traced and advised to isolate. The variant was designated a Variant Under Investigation (VUI) on 24 February, PHE said.

Sky News