GMB: Dr Amir Khan on 'sobering' Delta variant numbers
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Known as E484K, the offshoot of the deadly Delta variant is said to be efficient at evading the immune system. Scientists say it needs to be closely monitored amid fears it could further mutate to be better suited to infecting humans. Testing from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shown that Delta with E484K reduces the neutralising effect of antibodies in a similar way to Beta, which also carries the same mutation.
As of November 8, 152 cases of the variant had been detected across England, Scotland and Wales – an increase of 59 since the middle of October.
But UKHSA says these occurred “mostly in three self-limiting outbreaks”.
There are no signs that Delta with E484K, otherwise known as Delta-plus, is set to become dominant in the UK, but Meaghan Kall, from the UKHSA, said that the variant was “definitely one to watch”.
Dr Stephen Griffin, a virologist at Leeds University, said the variant “has an advantage in that it’s immunity-evading” but the presence of E484K “appears to come at a cost” to the virus’ transmissibility.
He added: “It certainly isn’t fitter than the original Delta that took hold in the UK.
“But it has persisted, albeit at a low level.”
If the variant was to acquire additional mutations of concern that work in tandem with E484K, Dr Griffin warned there “could be trouble”.
Its continuing transmission comes at a time of high Covid prevalence in the UK and Europe.
Yesterday, the UK recorded 40,004 new cases and 61 new deaths.
The Government has consistently said it has no plans for another lockdown for England, but has said it could bring in extra Covid measures – known as Plan B.
These would include mandatory Covid passports for some indoor venues, compulsory face coverings in certain indoor settings and advice to work from home.
The Delta variant is now dominant across the globe.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it is “very worried” about a fresh wave of European infection.
It comes as Austria clapped down on public life by introducing its fourth national lockdown.
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Elsewhere, other European countries are also imposing new measures as cases rise.
Countries including the Czech Republic and Slovakia have also announced fresh restrictions on unvaccinated people as record infection rates are recorded across the continent.
At the weekend, violent rioting erupted in Rotterdam in the Netherlands over new Covid-19 measures. Hundreds of protesters had gathered to show their anger at government plans for more restrictions.
In Germany, Health Minister Jens Spahn described the situation as a “national emergency” and refused to rule out another national lockdown.
Russia this morning has reported 1,241 death and 35,681 new cases in the last 24 hours.
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