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better part of the world right now is dealing with surging cases of COVID-19 after the discovery of new
alarming strains of SARS-CoV-2 like South African variant, UK variant. Taking cognizance of the situation, the World Health
Organizations’s European branch on Thursday said more efforts are needed to
take in this direction.

Also Read: Europe’s race to COVID-19 vaccine manufacture must speed up to science: EU chief

While it is natural for viruses to change over time and mutation of novel coronavirus is not exactly a revelation since it been multiplying since the onset of pandemic, here is what experts know so far about the new strains.

UK variant of novel coronavirus

1- The name of the variant is B.1.1.7 and it was originally found in the United Kingdom.

2- B.1.1.7 is known to be 50% more contagious than previous variants.

3- According to WHO Europe, the new variant is observed to be more ‘transmissible’. This happens due to due to mutations on the spike protein.

Also Read: New COVID-19 strain found in Britain deadlier than the original virus: Boris Johnson

Spike protein is a part of the virus that binds to human cells.

4- However, health experts said that no evidence of it being more severe were found, the newer evidence from UK suggest that this new strain is 30% deadlier.

South African variant of novel coronavirus

1- The name of the variant is B.1.351 variant

2- This variant has mutations in its spike protein.

3- Health experts have concerns about the variant diminishing the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19, however, no strong evidence has supported the claims.

4-  Pharmaceutical giant Moderna said in a statement issued earlier in January its vaccines are likely to work against the south African variant. (not as strongly as it targets other variants)

5- Moderna further said that another COVID-19 booster shot by the company that would target the South African variant is in process