WHO says in close contact with UK officials on new Covid-19 virus variant

A new strain of coronavirus identified in the United Kingdom is up to 70% more infectious but it is not thought to be more deadly and vaccines should still be effective, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and scientists said on Saturday.

The World Health Organization said on Saturday it was in close contact with UK officials over a new Covid-19 virus variant.

Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England and Patrick Vallance, UK government chief scientific adviser arrive to attend a news conference with Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in response to the ongoing situation with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, inside 10 Downing Street, London ,Britain. (Reuters)

“They’ll (UK officials) continue to share info & results of their analysis & ongoing studies. We’ll update Member States & public as we learn more about the characteristics of this virus variant & any implications”, WHO said in a tweet.

A new strain of coronavirus identified in the United Kingdom is up to 70% more infectious but it is not thought to be more deadly and vaccines should still be effective, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and scientists said on Saturday.