How worried should we be about the new coronavirus mutation? A thread https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/how-worried-should-we-be-about-the-new-coronavirus-mutation-8h297hhqh?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1608384709

Q: What is the new coronavirus variant?

A: It has been named VUI — 202012/01 — the first variant under investigation in December. Public Health England believes this new variant includes a mutation in the spike protein

Q: Why does this new variant pose a threat?

A: It sparked particular concern because it appears to be speeding up the spread of the virus. “It does definitely seem possible that it transmits more easily,” said Professor Sir Mark Walport, a member of Sage

Q: Are new variants always a bad thing?

A: Not necessarily. There have already been various strains of Covid-19 with no real consequence. However, if they spread more easily but cause the same disease severity, more people will end up becoming ill in a shorter period of time

Q: Will the virus become more harmful?

A: Probably not. Most of the mutations will not be significant or give cause for concern, but some may give the virus an evolutionary advantage which may lead to higher transmission

The key point here is that if the variant does accelerate how quickly the virus is spreading, that could mean more people fall ill in a shorter period over the next few weeks. That is worrying because hospitals are already filling up fast with Covid-19 patients

Q: Will vaccines still work?

A: That is the big question. Matt Hancock said the latest clinical advice is that it is highly unlikely that this new variant would fail to respond to a vaccine. Read more: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/how-worried-should-we-be-about-the-new-coronavirus-mutation-8h297hhqh?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=coronavirus_mutation&utm_medium=branded_social