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– As far as researchers can tell, a new variant of coronavirus detected in northwestern France is neither more deadly nor more contagious – but what makes it alarming is the fact that it is much more difficult to detect. Officials say the new variant was found after further testing was done on patients with COVID symptoms, but initially tested negative for the virus on standard PCR tests, Bloomberg reports. Samples of blood drawn or deep into the airways confirmed that they were contaminated. French authorities say eight cases of the variant have been confirmed in a cluster of 79 patients in a hospital in Brittany.
“Research will be conducted to determine how this variant responds to vaccination and to antibodies developed during previous COVID infections,” the regional health authority said in a statement, per France 24. Authorities say the new variant has nine mutations in its spike protein, and they are investigating whether the changes made it more difficult to detect with standard tests. The infection rate in Brittany is currently well below the rate in the Paris area, but the number of cases has increased in Brittany in recent weeks, Reuters reports. France says international agencies have been contacted about the new variant. (Read more stories about COVID variants.)