A new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified across the South East of England.
The strain was identified due to Public Health England’s (PHE) proactive and enhanced monitoring following the increase in cases seen in Kent and London. The variant has been named ‘VUI – 202012/01’ (the first Variant Under Investigation in December 2020).
As of 13 December, 1,108 cases with this variant have been identified, predominantly in the South and East of England.
PHE is working with partners to investigate and plans to share its findings over the next 2 weeks. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the strain has any impact on disease severity, antibody response or vaccine efficacy. #VUI202012/01 #Covid20
