LONDON — A coronavirus variant with potentially worrying mutations that was first detected in India has been found in the United Kingdom, Public Health England (PHE) said it in its weekly update. The dominant variant continues to be VOC-20DEC-01 (B.1.1.7) and PHE will continue to monitor all variants closely. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to remember: hands, face, space and follow the restrictions in place, according to the statement A new variant, B.1.617, has been designated a Variant Under Investigation (VUI) by PHE. The variant, first detected in India, includes a number of mutations including E484Q, L452R, and P681R. PHE has identified 77 cases of B.1.617 in the UK and all appropriate public health interventions will be undertaken, including enhanced contact tracing. This variant has been designated VUI-21APR-01. PHE and international partners continue to monitor the situation closely. The B.1.617 variant was first detected in India but has since been found elsewhere, including California in the United States. It has worried experts as it contains two mutations in the spike protein that, it has been suggested, may boost its ability to escape the body's immune responses. It is thought the variant may also be able to infect the body more easily and it is believed to have contributed to the now surging outbreak in India.
