
This new variant appears to have *mutated further* than the new B.1.1.7 variant recently discovered in the UK. [thread]
#COVID19 https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-uk-confirms-two-cases-of-another-new-variant-linked-to-south-africa-12171410
CONCERNING: The UK recently reported a its own new #coronavirus variant (B.1.1.7) that may be more transmissible.
The UK and South African (501.V2) variants appear to be "more transmissible," but they're "very different" and are "different mutations".
https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109261334695937?s=20
The UK and South African (501.V2) variants appear to be "more transmissible," but they're "very different" and are "different mutations".

Both #coronavirus variants have the *same N501Y mutation* in the spike gene. The South African 501.V2 variant:
Is more common in younger adults
Has higher viral load, spreads more easily
The vaccines still appear to work, but that could change.
https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109272982204417?s=20


The vaccines still appear to work, but that could change.

WORRISOME: there's evidence that the South African #coronavirus variant not only spreads more easily, but it may be causing more severe #COVID19 disease in young people and otherwise healthy people. https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109282473979905?s=20

Please avoid gatherings and #WearAMask
