Indian variant: what we know QA &

Why are we concerned about the Indian variant?

Public Health England believes the variant spreads at least as well as the Kent variant still dominant in the UK.

If it turns out to have higher transmissibility then that would give it competitive advantage and it could start to take over.

How has this happened?

The original India variant – B.1.617 – was first detected in October and cases have been imported from abroad. It is now known to be spreading in clusters in some communities.

Is there more than one Indian variant?

It has been re-characterised as three different subtypes, all with slightly different mutations. The UK has seen a sharp increase in one subtype known as B.1.617.2 which now makes up the majority of our cases and appears to be growing faster than others.

Why does it spread better than previous variants?

It contains two key mutations to the outer “spike” protein of the virus that attaches to human cells. Some experts believe it may be overpowering immunity from natural infections in some people who had caught earlier variants.

But the good news is...

There is no indication yet that it negates the protection offered by current vaccines.

Why does it jeopardise the June 21 reopening?

Increasing Covid-19 rates with any variant would still kill some unvaccinated people or those for whom immune protection has waned. Higher viral prevalence also increases the chances that the virus will mutate again, which could mean vaccines won’t work as well on it.

What can the UK do about it?

Use of our world-leading genetic sequencing to detect clusters and deploy surge testing. The fact that we are hearing about this increase shows the system is working. India is on the travel Red List and restrictions must continue with countries where the variant is prevalent. Test and trace has underperformed in Britain but is improving as more work is done by trusted local council teams.

Compiled by Martin Bagot