Questions I've been asked on the new coronavirus variant. And some answers. A thread...

- What is the 'new variant'?
- Is it in my area?
- Is my chance of being infected increased?
- More hospitalisations and deaths?
- What about testing & vaccination?
- So what should I do?

What is the 'new variant'?

It's basically the same virus as we've been dealing with all year. But with some genetic changes. Some changes are to its spike protein - which the virus uses to attach to the cells in our body.

Is it in my area?

If you're in England, then almost certainly yes. While it's more prevalent in South East England at the moment - the new variant is showing up in samples taken from a wide range of regions.

Is my chance of being infected increased?

Yes. The genetic changes mean the virus is now even better at spreading from person to person. Around 70% better in fact. So our chances of being infected are higher.

More hospitalisations and deaths?

Yes, probably. There's no evidence that the new variant is more deadly to each individual infected. But also no evidence that it's less deadly.

So if more people are being infected then we may see more people become ill and/or die.

What about testing & vaccination?

No problems that we know about. Certainly the PCR tests that we have when we have symptoms can pick it up the new variant. And there's no evidence that the vaccination will be less effective against it.

So what should I do?

Be very careful. We can reduce the risk of infection in the same way we've always done. Stay 2m away from others, wear face coverings and wash our hands.

We all need to get very good at those things very quickly.