The Kent coronavirus variant may become the most dominant strain in the world, the director of the UK's genetic surveillance programme claimed today.

More than 50 countries have already spotted the mutant B.1.1.7 strain, which evolved to become more infectious than the original virus. 

Professor Sharon Peacock, head of the Covid-19 Genomics UK (Cog-UK) Consortium said the variant 'is going to sweep the world, in all probability'.

It is already the dominant strain across the UK but all the evidence suggests current vaccines work against it. 

But there are fears the variant has started to mutate further to become more like the one that evolved in South Africa, which is better able to resist immunity developed by past infection or from the current vaccines.

Professor Peacock said her work sequencing variants could be needed for at least 10 years.

The Kent Covid variant (top left) could become the most dominant strain of the virus in the world, according to the director of the UK's genetic surveillance programme

The Kent Covid variant (top left) could become the most dominant strain of the virus in the world, according to the director of the UK's genetic surveillance programme

Professor Sharon Peacock from the Covid-19 Genomics UK (Cog-UK) Consortium said the variant has been detected in more than 50 countries and 'it's going to sweep the world'

Professor Sharon Peacock from the Covid-19 Genomics UK (Cog-UK) Consortium said the variant has been detected in more than 50 countries and 'it's going to sweep the world'

The Kent variant was first detected in in September 2020 and its rapid spread across the country spooked No10 into tougher action in December.

Analysis suggests it is up to 70 per cent more transmissible than the previous strain that was dominant in the UK. No10's scientific advisers also fear the variant is slightly deadlier.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9248751/Kent-Covid-variant-going-sweep-world-scientists-warn.html




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