Researchers Fear The Fast-Spreading Mutant COVID-19 Strains Are A '2021 Nightmare'

Montreal Gazette: The fast-spreading mutant COVID-19 strain is a '2021 nightmare': researchers

What's worrisome is the U.K. variant emerged with an unusually large number — 17 — of mutational changes 

A mutated COVID-19 virus capable of spreading more easily and quickly that has plunged England and Scotland into bleak new national lockdowns is gaining a foothold in Canada. 

Will it do here what it has done in the United Kingdom — and rapidly overtake the current circulating strain? 

Ontario on Monday confirmed three new cases of the “super-contagious” viral variant officially known as B. 1. 1. 7, bringing the province’s total to six cases, all tied to travel outside the country. British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec have reported one confirmed case each. 

The more transmissible variant has spread across England since it was first detected in September. 

Cases are being reported in dozens of other countries, including the United States, Denmark, Netherlands, India, Turkey, Vietnam and Germany. 

Another mutated strain, so far not detected in Canada, is being blamed for a surge of COVID-19 cases in South Africa. 

 There’s no evidence the U.K. strain is more lethal or is causing greater rates of hospitalizations or deaths. 

And viruses like the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen that causes COVID-19 accumulate small, random mutations all the time. 

What’s worrisome is the U.K. variant emerged with an unusually large number — 17 — of mutational changes, particularly in the spike protein it uses to latch on to and enter human cells, making people much more likely to get infected. 

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WNU Editor: The two variants that are causing concerns are the UK variant, and the South African variant. For more news on these variants see below:

   

 South African Covid-19 Variant 

Covid variant found in South Africa is worrying experts: Here’s what we know so far -- CNBC 

South African coronavirus variant may ‘obviate’ antibody drugs, former FDA head says -- FOX News Analysis: why the South African coronavirus variant is so worrying -- The Telegraph 

South African SARS-CoV-2 Variant Alarms Scientists -- The Scientist 

South African variant unlikely to 'completely negate' COVID vaccines, scientist says -- Reuters 

Ex-FDA commissioner says South African COVID strain is already in US -- Daily Mail 

 U.K. Covid-19 Variant 

U.K. hospitals struggle as new coronavirus variant takes heavy toll -- Global News/AP 

New variant of SARS-CoV-2 in UK causes surge of COVID-19 -- The Lancet 

UK variant of coronavirus strain detected in 41 countries, says WHO; check list -- DNA India 

Anthony Fauci Thinks U.K. COVID Variant More Widespread in U.S. Than Known -- Newsweek