What we know so far about the new coronavirus variant causing global concern

Concern is growing across the world over a new coronavirus variant first found in the UK. Here, a microbial genomics researcher answers some key questions about what we know about it so far.

London To Be Placed Under New 'Tier 4' Of Coronavirus Restrictions

Women wearing face masks walk along a temporarily-pedestrianised Regent Street in London, England, on 19 December, 2020. Source: NurPhoto via Getty Images

A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, is thought to be driving increased transmission of the disease in parts of the UK.

The government has placed some regions including London under new, stricter coronavirus restrictions, known as Tier 4. People in Tier 4 areas will not be able to gather with anyone outside their household for Christmas, while those in the rest of the country can only gather on Christmas Day itself.

Boris Johnson, the prime minister, and his chief scientific advisors said that the new variant could increase transmission of COVID-19 by as much as 70 per cent and increase the R or reproduction number by 0.4 per cent.

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Published 22 December 2020 11:00am
Presented by Yang J. Joo
Source: The Conversation, SBS

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