The mutated coronavirus strain has rapidly spread through swathes of England in a fortnight, according to official data that shows it now accounts for the majority of infections in some regions.
The Office for National Statistics estimates 62 per cent of cases in London were because of the new variant in the week up to December 9, the most recent snapshot provided by the Government agency. That was almost double the amount of infections in the capital attributed to the mutation in the seven-day period to November 25 (35 per cent).
It’s believed the new variant — thought to be up to 70 per cent more infectious than regular Covid — emerged in a patient in Kent and made its way into London and the commuter belt.
Oh great… New British Covid-19 strain ‘appears more transmissible in young people and children,’ says WHO
But wait there’s more! Two cases of ‘highly concerning’ COVID variant from South Africa identified in UK
Two cases of another new strain of COVID-19 linked to South Africa have been identified in the UK, Matt Hancock said.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday, the health secretary revealed the new variant “is yet more transmissible and it appears to have mutated further” than the one previously identified in the UK.
He said: “Both are cases, both are contacts of cases, who have travelled from South Africa over the past few weeks.
