Professor Chris Whitty said there is “urgent work” underway to determine whether the new strain, which is found in the south-east of England, could cause a higher death rate.
“There is currently no evidence to suggest that the new strain causes a higher death rate or that it affects vaccines and treatments, although urgent work is underway to confirm this,” he said in a statement.
As with other new variants or strains of Covid-19, this one has a genetic fingerprint that makes it easy to track, and it’s one that’s now common. That does not mean that the mutation has spread it more easily, nor does it necessarily mean that this variation is more dangerous.
Multiple experts in virus genetics and epidemiology note that this strain may simply be a “lucky” strain amplified due to a superspreader event; the mutation may somehow make it easier without causing more serious disease; or it could just be by chance.
Johnson will hold a press conference on Saturday after meeting with his cabinet about the faster spread. With things booming, Johnson could announce further restrictions.
The government’s scientific advisory group for Covid-19 has also warned that the new species is a “real cause for concern”, and has called for urgent action. On Twitter, Jeremy Farrar said: “Research is underway to understand more, but now urgent action is critical. There is no part of the UK and worldwide that should not be concerned. As in many countries, the situation is vulnerable.”
Whitty also urged people to take more precautions. “Given this latest development, it is now more important than ever for the public to continue to take action in their area to reduce carryover,” he said.
Whitty is expected to join Johnson and Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, at the press conference.