MK LHL testing data showing increasing prevalence of H69/V70 variant in positive test data - which is detected incidentally by the commonly used 3-gene PCR test.

Numerous other mutations are circulating but are invisible to this PCR test. So genome sequencing of viral samples is very important @CovidGenomicsUK

There is reportedly a correlation between the new variant and increased infectivity, but that is not known to extend to more severe symptoms. Very important not to draw unsupported inferences.

Protection from this variant, or indeed any other, is to carefully and completely observe all infection prevention advice (masks, distance, hand hygiene, bubbles, travel restrictions etc).