Study confirms U.K. virus variant has been deadlier

Scientists had already determined that the variant of the novel coronavirus first detected in November in the United Kingdom — known as B.1.1.7. because of its molecular makeup — was probably 30% to 70% more transmissible than the typical version of the virus causing COVID-19.

They also knew, based on preliminary data, that the variant appeared relatively more deadly for the growing number of people catching it.

U.K. scientists now say its probably 30% to 70% more deadly based on a follow-up study by the government released Friday that assessed a larger sample size of COVID-19 patients and also found a higher rate of hospitalization.

The variant is “associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and death compared to infection” with other forms of the virus, according to the study, which drew from multiple databases across England.

There are still many unknowns: The data available to study has noteworthy gaps among critical demographics, such as nursing homes, and provides an incomplete tally of infections, a problem persisting throughout the pandemic. But it does underscore how — even with efforts to fast-track fighting the virus — scientific data takes time to gather and assess, despite the pressing need for information.

In the months since the variant was first reported, the highly transmissible form of the virus has spread to more than 80 countries, including the United States.