FEARS JABS WON’T END INFECTIONS
A DOUBLE mutation Covid variant from India is now in the UK – and experts warn it could be worse than the South African and Brazilian ones.
There have been 77 UK cases of the rogue virus, which it is feared can infect people more easily, including those who have been vaccinated.
India has recorded the second largest number cases of Covid cases in the world with nearly 14.3million people infected.
But it is not on the UK’S red list of banned countries for travel, despite having 200,000 new cases a day.
And PM Boris Johnson is due to travel there on a trade visit later this month.
The strain, described as a “variant under investigation”, with 73 cases recorded in England and four in Scotland, was found in the UK before April 14.
It is worrying experts due to two mutations in the spike protein, which could help it evade the body’s immune system.
Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, said: “These two escape mutations could be a lot more problematic than the South African and Brazilian variants who have only got one escape mutation. It might be even less controlled by vaccine than the Brazilian and South African variants.”
Meanwhile, fears are rising over the South African strain following reports it infected several people who had already received at least one vaccine dose.
There have been 600 confirmed cases in the UK and officials are scrambling to contain an outbreak in London.
Dr Julian Tang, of the University of Leicester, warned: “The Astrazeneca vaccine doesn’t show good protection against the South Africa variant.”
There are also fears it is more transmissible than the Kent strain that plunged England into a third lockdown. ★
MANCHESTER’S bars and restaurants closed roads to welcome back customers last night.
Diners relaxed on Edge Street in the city’s Northern Quarter following outdoor drinking and dining being allowed from Monday. All establishments must ensure that table service, Track & Trace check-in, and social distancing rules are met. ★
One Manchester punter, Gina, tweeted: “Today felt normal. Lunch and cocktail dates with friends. Best day ever!”