The new COVID-19 variant is raising concerns, as it increases the R factor by between 0.4 and 0.7 in UK. This could mean three new infections for every two affected people with the new mutation of the virus. ‘There is a huge difference in how easily the variant virus spreads,’ Prof Axel Gandy of London’s Imperial College told BBC News. The government is ramping up vaccinations as the fast-moving virus triggers a new UK response.
The Most Serious Development Since the UK Epidemic Began
This is the most serious change in the virus since the epidemic began,’ Prof Axel Gandy added. He is clearly concerned new variant transmission tripled during the November lock down. While infections of the original one reduced by a third according to an Imperial College study. However, there is no evidence the disease is more deadly.
Viruses travel light, and they travel vast. The new mutation may have arrived from a country with less-sophisticated mutation tracking capability. But it may have also have emerged from a UK patient who brewed it themselves. What we do know is it is spreading outward like ripples in a pond.
Fast-Moving Virus Triggers a New UK Response to Vaccination
The UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) recommended a new approach Wednesday, for the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. This is a two-shot product that has shown strong promise after the first dose during trials.
In fact, those results indicate the first dose offers ‘very effective protection’ after two weeks. And it provides a longer period of immunity before receiving a second dose than previously thought.
In the light of all the evidence above, the JCVI recommends the UK government give as many people as possible a single dose first. And then offer them the second one as they may need it. We shall watch with great interest as a fast-moving virus triggers this new UK response, that other nations may adopt if it is a success.
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Preview Image: UK COVID-19 Status
