The virus was first identified by scientists in South Africa in May and has since been found in England, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mauritius, New Zealand, Portugal and Switzerland. During their study, researchers found a monthly increase in the number of C.1.2 genomes in South Africa, rising from 0.2 per cent in May to 1.6 per cent in June and 2.0 per cent in July. While more research is required 'to determine the functional impact of these mutations', scientists warned the latest variant, which has 'mutated substantially', could help the virus evade antibodies and immune responses. In April, scientists found another South African strain — called B.1.351 — had the potential to 'break through' the Pfizer jab. Last month health chiefs spotted another Covid variant spreading in Britain, with 31 mutant strains now on the UK's watchlist.

Source: Daily Mail August 29, 2021 17:26 UTC