Professor Chris Whitty said “urgent work is being done” to establish whether the new strain, prevalent in the south-east of England, could cause a higher mortality rate.
“There is no current evidence to indicate that the new strain will cause a higher mortality rate or affect vaccines and treatments, although urgent work is being done to confirm this,” it said in a statement.
As with other new variants or strains of Covid-19, this one has a genetic fingerprint that makes it easy to track, and is now commonplace. This does not mean that the mutation has made it spread more easily, nor does it necessarily mean that this variation is more dangerous.
Several experts in virus genetics and epidemiology observe that this could be just one “lucky” strain that has been amplified due to a superspar event; the mutation may somehow make it spread more easily without causing more serious illness; or it could simply be by chance.
Johnson will hold a press conference Saturday after meeting with his cabinet on the fastest-growing strain. With cases on the rise, Johnson could announce new restrictions.
The government’s scientific advisory group for Covid-19 has also warned that the new strain is a “real cause for concern” and has called for urgent action. On Twitter, Jeremy Farrar said: “Research is underway to understand more, but acting urgently is crucial now. There is no part of the UK and around the world that should not be concerned. As in many countries, the situation is fragile. “
Whitty also urged people to take more precautions. “Given this latest development, it is now more vital than ever that citizens continue to take action in their area to reduce transmission,” he said.
Whitty is expected to join Johnson and Patrick Vallance, the government’s top scientific adviser, at the press conference.