Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance on the new variant of COVID-19 in the UK
According to data for people tested positive, the new variant has increased mortality and transmission compared to the old virus. For context, with the original variant, for every 1,000 infected men in their 60s ~ 10 would die. But this increases to ~13/14 with the new variant.
Source:
Department of Health and Social Care
SPS commentary:
A paper from the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) on the new coronavirus (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7 explains the variation in data.
In an opinion article, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer highlights the importance of continuing to follow the guidance, even after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.