B16172 - The India Variants
Update 24 Nov 2021: COVID-19 - The Omicron Variant
The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) is an independent group of experts that periodically monitors and evaluates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and assesses if specific mutations and combinations of mutations alter the behaviour of the virus. The TAG-VE was convened on 26 November 2021 to assess the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529.
The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.
This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs. The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. Several labs have indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected (called S gene dropout or S gene target failure) and this test can therefore be used as marker for this variant, pending sequencing confirmation. Using this approach, this variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.
UK raises alarm over new COVID-19 variant which could beat vaccines
A social distancing sign is seen amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Leicester, Britain, May 27, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
The UK Health Security Agency said that the variant - called B.1.1.529 - has a spike protein that was dramatically different to the one in the original coronavirus that COVID-19 vaccines are based on. Officials characterise the variant, which has double the number of mutations as the currently dominant Delta variant, as the "worst one yet".
"This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility," UKHSA Chief Executive Jenny Harries said. The variant was first identified at the start of this week, but Britain rushed to introduce travel restrictions on South Africa and five neighbouring countries, acting much more swiftly than with the currently dominant Delta variant.
related:
New heavily mutated variant B.1.1.529 in South Africa raises concern
We're back in familiar territory - growing concern about a new variant of coronavirus
The latest is the most heavily mutated version discovered so far - and it has such a long list of mutations that it was described by one scientist as "horrific", while another told me it was the worst variant they'd seen.
It is early days and the confirmed cases are still mostly concentrated in one province in South Africa, but there are hints it may have spread further. Immediately there are questions around how quickly the new variant spreads, its ability to bypass some of the protection given by vaccines and what should be done about it. There is a lot of speculation, but very few clear answers.
The variant is called B.1.1.529 and is likely to be given a Greek code-name (like the Alpha and Delta variants) by the World Health Organization on Friday. It is also incredibly heavily mutated. Prof Tulio de Oliveira, the director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation in South Africa, said there was an "unusual constellation of mutations" and that it was "very different" to other variants that have circulated. "This variant did surprise us, it has a big jump on evolution [and] many more mutations that we expected," he said.
Britain alarmed by new COVID-19 variant spreading in South Africa
Britain on Thursday said it was concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil efforts to fight the pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency said the variant, which is called B.1.1.529, has a spike protein that was dramatically different to the one in the original coronavirus that COVID-19 vaccines are based on.
"This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility," UKHSA Chief Executive Jenny Harries said. The variant was first identified at the start of this week, but Britain rushed to introduce travel restrictions on South Africa and five neighbouring countries, acting much more swiftly than with the currently dominant Delta variant.
"What we do know is there's a significant number of mutations, perhaps double the number of mutations that we have seen in the Delta variant," Health Secretary Sajid Javid told broadcasters. "And that would suggest that it may well be more transmissible and the current vaccines that we have may well be less effective."
UK raises alarm over new COVID-19 variant that could beat vaccines
Britain says it is concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil progress made across the world in fighting the pandemic. The UK will temporarily ban flights from South Africa and five other African countries over worries about the new, dramatically different COVID-19 variant recently identified in the region.
The travel restrictions go into effect on Friday night (AEST) and are a precautionary measure to keep the spread of the new variant in check, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. The six countries will be placed on the UK’s red list as of Sunday, requiring travellers to quarantine in hotels upon arrival. Officials characterise the variant, which has double the number of mutations as the currently dominant delta variant, as the “worst one yet”.
However, scientists are still trying to determine whether the new variant, called B.1.1529, is more transmissible or more lethal than previous ones. What is clear is that it has the most mutations of any strain yet identified. That has raised concerns inside South Africa and internationally, with authorities fearing a wave of cases that could increase pressure on already strained healthcare systems.
WHO calls special meeting to discuss new Covid variant found in South Africa with ‘a large number of mutations’
The World Health Organization is monitoring a new variant with numerous mutations to the spike protein, scheduling a special meeting Friday to discuss what it may mean for vaccines and treatments, officials said Thursday. The variant, called B.1.1.529, has been detected in South Africa in small numbers, according to the WHO.
“We don’t know very much about this yet. What we do know is that this variant has a large number of mutations. And the concern is that when you have so many mutations, it can have an impact on how the virus behaves,” Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead on Covid-19, said in a Q&A that was livestreamed on the organization’s social media channels.
The monitoring of the new variant comes as Covid cases surge around the world heading into the holiday season, with the WHO reporting hot spots in all regions and particularly in Europe. The U.K. announced it would ban flights from six African countries, including South Africa, starting midday Friday. The UK Health Security Agency “is investigating a new variant,” Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Thursday in a tweet announcing the travel restrictions. “More data is needed but we’re taking precautions now.”
UK raises alarm over Covid-19 variant which could beat vaccines
Britain on Thursday said it was concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil progress made across the world in fighting the pandemic.
The British Health Security Agency said the variant – called B.1.1.529 – has a spike protein that was dramatically different to the one in the original coronavirus that Covid-19 vaccines are based on. Officials characterise the variant, which has double the number of mutations as the currently dominant Delta variant, as the worst one yet.
It was only first identified at the start of the week but Britain rushed to introduce travel restrictions on South Africa and five neighbouring countries, acting much more swiftly than with previous variants.
related:
Why vaccinated people dying from Covid-19 doesn't mean the vaccines are ineffective
Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell died on Monday of Covid-19 complications. His family announced that he was fully vaccinated. He was 84 years old, and had multiple myeloma, a blood cancer.
Health officials worry that anti-vaccine activists will seize upon Powell's death to make the claim that vaccines don't work. If you can still die after being vaccinated for Covid-19, what's the point of getting the vaccine?
What's the answer to that question? I discussed it with CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is also author of a new book, "Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health."
A note on COVID-19 and its variants
In an effort to make it easier for the public and media to discuss variants, WHO convened experts from various organizations and divisions of WHO to “consider easy-to-pronounce and non-stigmatizing labels.” Which is why there are now Greek Alphabet names for the various variants, at least those that WHO has declared “Variants of Concern” and “Variants of Interest.”
Wuhan or wildtype - The first strain to be identified that originated in the city of Wuhan, China. Greek Alphabet names for the various variants:
- Alpha (UK) - Dubbed B.1.1.7, the UK variant was first identified in the fall of 2020. It spreads more easily and quickly than other variants, according to the CDC, and potentially is 30% more lethal than the wildtype version, although that is still being investigated. It was first detected in the U.S. at the end of December 2020.
- Beta (South Africa) - Dubbed B.1.351, it emerged independently of B.1.1.7 (UK) and was first detected in South Africa in early October 2020. It shares some of the same mutations as the UK strain. Cases in the U.S. were first reported at the end of January 2021. At this time, it is the variant that has most experts the most concerned, because it seems less responsive to existing vaccines and antibody therapies. That said, current evidence suggests it does respond to them, just not as well as the other major known variants.
- Gamma (Brazil) - The Brazilian variant is called P.1 and was first identified in people traveling from Brazil during routine testing in Japan, in early January. It appears to have a group of additional mutations that affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies, according to the CDC. It was first observed in the U.S. at the end of January 2021.
- Iota (New York) - This variant first appeared in New York City and then sporadically in the northeast. It has been named B.1.526. It has been named B.1.526. One of the mutations is similar to that seen in the South African variant that seems to help it evade the body’s response to vaccines. The data on this has, as of February 25, 2021, not been peer-reviewed. The mutation of concern is called E484K, which has been observed in at least 59 different lineages of coronavirus. This means it is evolving independently around the world in what is called convergent evolution.
- California - This variant is called B.1.427/B.1.429 and appears different than the UK variant. One of the mutations, called L452R, affects the virus’s spike protein, which may allow it to attack itself more efficiently to cells, making it more infectious. Again, like the New York variant, the data has not yet been peer-reviewed. However, it appears to be associated with severity of disease and increased risk of high oxygen requirement. In particular, this virus appears to be prevalent in the San Francisco area.
- Delta (India) - The Indian strain what is being dubbed a “double mutant” variant, B.1.617, which had two key mutations observed in other coronavirus variants. The variant was actually first sequenced in a global database of COVID-19 variants in October 2020, but went largely unnoticed. The B.1.617 strain carries features from two lineages, the California variants (B.1.427 and B.1.429) and the ones in South Africa (B.1.351) and Brazil (P.1). The Indian variant’s two prominent mutations include a position 452 of the spike protein and the second at 484. It is believed that existing vaccines should be effective against the variant. It is believed to be about 60% more contagious than the Alpha variant.
- Mu or B.1.621, in September 2021 was categorized by the WHO as a “variant of interest.” It appeared to originate in January 2021, in Columbia, but does not appear to have spread much around the world.
‘Black fungus’ disease linked to Covid spreads across India
7,200 mucormycosis cases reported, usually in patients with diabetes or compromised immune systems
States across India have begun declaring a “black fungus” epidemic as cases of the fatal rare infection shoot up in patients recovering from Covid-19. The fungal disease, called mucormycosis, has a 50% mortality rate. It affects patients initially in the nose but the fungus can then spread into the brain, and can often only be treated by major surgery removing the eye or part of skull and jaw.
It is usually a rare disease, but more than 7,200 people in India have now been reported with mucormycosis and 219 have lost their lives. The rise in black fungus infections, mostly in patients who had severe cases of Covid-19, has been linked to an overuse of steroids in the treatment of the coronavirus, which can acutely compromise the immune system if taken over a prolonged period. The high incidence of diabetes in India has also been blamed, with high blood sugar levels linked to susceptibility. India has the second highest rate of diabetes in the world. It has also been reported in Covid patients who were on ventilators in intensive care units, due to their airways being exposed to humidity and moisture.
The disease is caused by fungal spores found in soil and organic matter, usually inhaled by humans from the air. The mould enters the body and then manifests around the nose and eye sockets, causing the nose to blacken, and if not stopped will move fatally into the brain. Healthy individuals will usually fight off the fungus but it can spread fast in those with compromised immunity.
New B1617 Coronavirus Strain: This Is What Is Attacking Children In Singapore
There is a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases mainly attacking children in Singapore, the government’s Covid-19 task force recently announced. As a result, schools are taking a more cautious approach this time around.
The increase in Covid cases among children is the result of the new B1617 strain, also known as the double-mutant variant that’s affecting kids more than adults. The new strain was first detected in India this year.
Unfortunately, the new coronavirus strain symptoms–as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also accepted– is airborne. This increases the risk of the virus spreading faster than before. The WHO and the US Centres For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) accept this theory.
New Covid strain in Singapore: What we know so far about B1617 variant affecting children
The Singapore government has said that the new mutations of coronavirus, particularly the B.1.167 Covid variant, were affecting younger children and it would shut all schools as it prepares to close all schools from Wednesday.
Authorities in Singapore said that primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges, would shift to full home-based learning from Wednesday until the end of the school term on 28 May. The Singapore government is planning to vaccinate children under the age of 16 against the coronavirus.
Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a press briefing that the strain, B.1.617, "appears to affect children more". However, there is no official confirmation at this stage on how many children have been affected by the new variant of Covid-19 in Singapore. "Some of these mutations are much more virulent and they seem to attack the younger children," Education Minister Chan Chun Sing was quoted by news agency AFP as saying.
Singapore Covid Variant Affecting Children? What We Know So Far
Delhi Chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday demanded from the centre that flights to and from Singapore must be banned because of a new strain. He said the strain had the potential to trigger a third wave in India. Union Civil Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri later assured the leader that the centre was monitoring the situation and all precautions were being taken. Here is all we know about the variant.
The Singapore government has said that a mutant variant has been found to be affecting children. Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a press conference that the strain, B.1.617, "appears to affect children more". "Some of these mutations are much more virulent and they seem to attack the younger children," Education Minister Chan Chun Sing was quoted by news agency AFP as saying.
Singapore, meanwhile, has denied that it has any homegrown strain that's affecting children. "There is no truth in the assertion that there is a new COVID strain in Singapore. Phylogenetic testing has shown that the B.1.617.2 variant is the prevalent strain in many of the COVID cases, including in children, in recent weeks in Singapore," its embassy in India tweeted.
Children aged 12 to 15 to receive Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Singapore
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been authorised by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to be used for children between 12 and 15 years old, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Tuesday (May 18).
From Wednesday, those aged 40 to 44 years will also be invited to register for their vaccinations, Mr Ong added.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was previously given only to those aged 16 years and above. It was granted interim authorisation by the HSA under the Pandemic Special Access Route in December last year. At that time, the data for children aged below 16 years was not yet available.
Pfizer, Moderna vaccines effective against Covid variants from India: Study
The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines appear to protect against COVID variants B.1.617 and B.1.618 first identified in India, researchers have reported in a new pre-print paper, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, CNN reported.
Based on lab experiments involving cell cultures, the B.1.617 and B.1.618 variants seem to be partially resistant to the antibodies elicited by vaccination, according to the pre-print paper posted to the online server biorxiv.org on Sunday. "Thus, there is a good reason to believe that vaccinated individuals will remain protected against the B.1.617 and B.1.618 variants," the researchers from New York University wrote in their paper. But more research is needed to determine just how effective the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are against those variants in the real world.
Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the coronavirus variant first found in India as a "variant of global concern".It said studies show the B.1.617 mutation spreads more easily than other variants and requires further study, CNN reported.
Virus variant from India 'concerning' as infections could spread 'quickly and widely', says Gan Kim Yong
The large clusters and “rapid transmission” of the B16172 COVID-19 variant first detected in India are “concerning”, as it suggests that infections of this strain can spread “quickly and widely”, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong in Parliament on Tuesday (May 11).
This is similar to situations found elsewhere, where new variants of the virus likely caused a resurgence of coronavirus cases, Mr Gan said in his ministerial statement on the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. "The emergence of several clusters, new variants as well as rising number of unlinked cases means the risk of community transmission has gone up.
“Therefore, we must continue to stay vigilant and tighten our safe distancing measures in the community to slow down and prevent transmission of the virus, even as we make progress in our vaccination programme,” he said, adding that Singapore also tightened its border measures to reduce the risk of importing cases.
COVID-19 virus variants from India detected in Singapore - What you need to know
Amid a rise in community cases, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has found that nearly half of the 60 COVID-19 local cases detected here last week were infected with variants of concern or interest.
These 29 local cases have viral variants that were first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil or India.
On Tuesday (May 4), MOH director of medical services Kenneth Mak said that seven cases in three local clusters have one of the Indian variants - the B16172. This includes the Tan Tock Seng Hospital cluster which had 40 cases as of Tuesday.
TTSH Covid-19 cluster sparked by new variant that originated in India
New viral variants that originated in India - and are fuelling the devastating second wave there - are believed to have sparked Singapore’s largest active cluster at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
Seven cases in three local clusters were found with B.1.617.2, a sublineage of a variant from India, said Ministry of Health (MOH) director of medical services Kenneth Mak on Tuesday (May 4).
Of these, five are part of the TTSH cluster, which has grown to include 40 TTSH staff, patients and their relatives. One of the five is the first case in the cluster – the 46-year old nurse who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 27.
Report of Virus Variants Identified in Singapore
Within the community in the past week, we have identified 60 new cases. As of 3 May 2021, we have detected eight local cases with the B.1.351 (S. African) variant, seven local cases with the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant, seven local cases with B.1.617.2 (Indian) variant, three local cases with P1 (Brazilian) variant, three local cases with B.1.617.1 (Indian) variant, and one local case with B.1.525 (UK2) variant. In addition, there were four re-infection cases RI16, RI17, RI18 and RI20 with the B.1.351 (S. African) variant.
Of note, seven cases in three local clusters have the B.1.617.2 (Indian) variant, but the viruses in each cluster are phylogenetically distinct, suggesting that the clusters are not linked to one another. Five cases 62541, 62557, 62561, 62567, and 62568 are part of the cluster at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Case 62517 of the Case 62517 cluster is an Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer deployed at Changi Airport Terminal 1. Case 62553 of the Case 62553 cluster is a cleaner deployed at a community care facility at Tuas South. All necessary public health actions have been taken promptly to isolate and ringfence all cases.
Given the possible increased transmissibility of the new virus variants, it is necessary to take tighter measures reflective of the heightened alert to mitigate the risk of further transmission in Singapore.
350 cases of COVID variants in Singapore, including 8 local so far
A total of 350 local and imported cases of various COVID-19 variants have been detected in Singapore as of Tuesday (20 April), according to data from the Ministry of Health (MOH). These include eight local cases of two variants – seven cases of the UK variant and one case of the South African variant – along with 342 imported cases with various strains.
The ministry was on Thursday responding to media queries by Yahoo News Singapore on its latest update on variant cases in Singapore since end-January, and its first confirmation of other variants detected here apart from the UK strain. The MOH did not specify in its latest update when the cases were detected.
Yahoo News Singapore on Wednesday reported that the first case of the Indian variant – or B.1.617 – in Singapore was detected on 26 February, while the first case of the South African variant – or B.1.351 – was detected on 7 February, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), the world's largest database of novel coronavirus genome sequences.
Characteristic S-gene mutations in common lineages
'Double mutant' Covid-19 strain raises concerns in India
More countries are snapping travel links with India as it records a devastating and unprecedented spike in new coronavirus infections. The United States and Britain placed travel restrictions on India on Monday (April 19), with the US advising travellers against heading to the South Asian country even if they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Hong Kong has already banned flights from India for two weeks beginning on Tuesday and New Zealand has an ongoing suspension on travel from India, including on its own citizens, until April 28.
Singapore also said on Tuesday it is reducing with immediate effect the number of entry approvals for those who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents, but have recent travel history to India.
India COVID-19 variant: What we know so far
India is battling a record-breaking rise in COVID-19 infections that has overwhelmed hospitals and led to severe bed and oxygen shortages.
A key question is whether a new variant with potentially worrying mutations - B1617 - is behind what is currently the world's fastest-growing outbreak, which added more than 300,000 fresh infections on Thursday (Apr 22).
The B1617 variant has already appeared elsewhere, including in Singapore, the United States, Australia and Israel. Concern about it has led some countries, including Singapore and the United Kingdom, to slap travel restrictions on India.
50 India 'double mutant', 137 S Africa variant cases in Singapore
Figures of Indian "double mutant" variant (left) and South African variant cases in Singapore as submitted to the database, screencapped on 21 April, 2021. (SCREENCAP: GISAID)
At least 50 cases of a new "double mutant" Indian COVID-19 variant and 137 of the South African strain have been detected in Singapore, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), the world's largest database of novel coronavirus genome sequences.
The first case of the Indian variant – or B.1.617 – in Singapore was detected on 26 February, while the first case of the South African variant – or B.1.351 – was detected on 7 February, according to the database.
Forty-seven cases of the Indian variant were submitted to the database over the "last four weeks", though the exact time period was not specified. One hundred and six cases of the South African variant were also recorded in the GISAID during the same period.
related:
Migrant worker who tested positive for COVID-19 completed vaccination
The sole dormitory case in Singapore on Sunday (Apr 11) had completed the full COVID-19 vaccination regimen and the case is a reminder that "it is possible for vaccinated individuals to get infected", said MOH.
The man, who is asymptomatic, was detected when he was tested on Apr 7 as part of rostered routine testing. The man's pooled rostered routine testing result came back positive for COVID-19 on Apr 8 and he was immediately isolated, said MOH. An individual test was done on Apr 9 and it came back positive the following day. He was taken to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases by ambulance. "His serology test result has come back positive but we have assessed that this is likely a current infection," said MOH.
The man received his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on Jan 25 and the second dose on Feb 17.
25 COVID-19 cases with B117 variant found in Singapore
Like all viruses, SARS-CoV-2 mutates in order to maximise its survival chances
Twenty-five cases of a COVID-19 virus variant originally reported by the United Kingdom have been detected in Singapore, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday (Jan 29). In an email response to CNA's queries, MOH said that of the 25 cases of the B117 variant as of Jan 26, five are community cases and 20 are imported cases from Europe. There are another two imported cases from Europe that have tested "preliminarily positive and are pending confirmatory results", said the ministry.
The B117 SARS-CoV-2 variant is one of a few mutated strains of the coronavirus to have caused concern around the world as it is said to be potentially more contagious. It has spread to 70 countries and territories now.
Singapore reported its first B117 COVID-19 case on Dec 23, a 17-year-old Singaporean student who had returned from the UK on Dec 6 and served her stay-home notice at a dedicated facility.
How Dangerous Is The New COVID Strain From The UK!
By now we have all heard that India and many other countries have stopped operating airlines to and from the UK. The travel ban is likely to last until the end of December. The culprit behind this new travel restriction is the new virus. Recently the UK announced the discovery of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2. This mutated virus has been named B117 virus or VUI2020/21 and it has scared virologists and healthcare experts in the UK and across the world.
And with the new COVID-19 vaccines almost ready to roll out, many people are asking if the vaccines would be effective against the new B117 virus.
Here is what we know about it:
- The new COVID-19 strain in the UK
- How is the new strain different from other COVID strains?
- Will vaccines immunize us against this strain?
- Will the new strain reach India?
How much more contagious is the new strain of COVID B117 detected in the UK?
As countries around the world grapple with the challenges of rolling out urgently needed COVID-19 vaccines, health authorities are now facing another major hurdle: a more contagious form of coronavirus.
The newly-identified variant, first recognised in England in late September, has spread to at least 45 countries and prompted lockdowns and new restrictions across Australia. Initially, it was unclear whether the high number of cases of the variant in the UK were because it was more transmissible or because it emerged in an area where there was a high spread of COVID-19.
But evidence of the variant being more contagious is mounting, with the UK's Office for National Statistics reporting that it now accounts for more than 60 per cent of positive tests in England — where case numbers have hit record highs — and more than 80 per cent in London.
What you can do right now to protect yourself from the new COVID-19 variants
There’s been a lot of talk going around about new variants of COVID-19. To date, scientists have identified more than 4,000 COVID-19 variants over this past year. Some of these strains, including the one that originated in the UK known as B.1.1.7, seem to be more infectious than other variants. Another strain, a variant first identified in South Africa (called 501Y.V2), has mutations on the so-called spike protein that is giving vaccine developers pause. Moderna has already found that its vaccine is slightly less effective against the South African variant.
Around the country, although cases of COVID-19 seem to be going down, the majority of the US is still experiencing high levels of coronavirus infections overall. As researchers and public health officials have pointed out, the longer we allow COVID-19 to spread, the more chances the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes the disease) has to evolve. And the more the virus mutates, the more chances it has to evade one of our vaccines.
So here’s what you can do right now to protect yourself from getting a new COVID-19 variant:
- Wear an appropriate mask—and double-up when necessary
- When to double mask
- Keep social distancing
- Get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available to you
4 Big Myths About COVID-19 Variants People Need To Stop Believing
Multiple strains of the virus that cause COVID-19 are now circulating around the globe
Over the past month, news of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has emerged from around the globe: first in the United Kingdom, then South Africa and Brazil. Now those strains are in the United States.
The reports are unsettling. Many of us were finally hoping for better days, thanks to the vaccine rollout and a slight dip in positivity rates in this country. Instead, infectious disease experts warn that the next six to 14 weeks may be the “darkest” period of the pandemic yet if we’re not careful.
We’ve been thrust back into a period of real scientific uncertainty, but it’s also not all bad news. Struggling to make sense of what’s going on? Here are four common myths about the COVID-19 variants — and some details on what we know (and don’t) so far:
- Myth #1 - The COVID-19 variants caught health experts by surprise
- Myth #2 - The COVID-19 variants are more dangerous
- Myth #3 - Our current vaccines don’t work against the COVID-19 variants
- Myth #4 - We can’t keep these variants — or future ones — from spreading
Covid infections still falling, but B117 strain gaining ground
The number coronavirus infections in the Netherlands is still falling, but much more slowly than in previous weeks, public health institute RIVM said in its weekly update on Tuesday. This is due to the more contagious B117 strain of the virus gaining ground in the Netherlands. About a third of last week's positive tests involved this strain first identified in the United Kingdom, compared to around 10 percent the week before, the RIVM said. Over the past week, from January 20 to 26, a total of 35,635 positive coronavirus tests were reported to the RIVM. That is 8 percent less than the week before. The decrease in positive tests in the week January 13 to 19 compared to the week before that was 21.5 percent.
"With the advance of the British variant, we are dealing with two virus variants spreading at different speeds in the Netherlands. As a result, there are actually two separate corona epidemics," the RIVM said. The number of infections with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain is decreasing. But the number of B117 infections is increasing. The new coronavirus strain first identified in South Africa has now been diagnosed 14 times in the Netherlands. According to the RIVM, all 14 these patients either traveled to South Africa or had contact wit someone who did.
The new coronavirus strains seem to be even more contagious than the original one and they are therefore expected to result in a spike in hospital admissions and deaths over time. The government introduced extra coronavirus measures last week to try and prevent this, but the effect of these measures will only start to become visible in the coming two weeks, the RIVM said.
What we know so far about the new coronavirus strain found in Britain
The discovery of a new and probably more transmissible variant of the coronavirus in Britain has sent London into lockdown, sparked dozens of travel bans, and set off a scientific scramble to understand this new strain.
Scientists are racing to understand key questions about this Sars-CoV-2 variant: does it change how the virus spreads? does it cause more severe disease? and will the much-anticipated vaccines that are just starting to be rolled out worldwide still work?
More time and research is needed to better understand this variant and its implications, but this is what we do know.
The genetic mutation is probably more easily transmitted than earlier strains prompting a UK travel ban in dozens of countries. But so far there is no evidence to suggest it is more deadly and scientists are hopeful that vaccines will still work.
A more contagious coronavirus strain has been found in 8 states and 33 countries
A more contagious coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom continues to crop up across the U.S. and around the globe, threatening to further strain overburdened health care systems just as vaccines are rolling out worldwide. At least eight U.S. states and 33 countries have identified the new variant, known as B117. Several nations have also identified an additional variant, first identified in South Africa, that also appears to infect people more easily.
"Because the variants spread more rapidly, they could lead to more cases and put even more strain on our heavily burdened health care systems," said Dr. Henry Walke, incident manager for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 response. "We need to be even more vigilant in our prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19."
Here's what we know about B117:
- How much more contagious is the new strain?
- What makes the new strain more contagious?
- Is the new strain more lethal?
- Is the vaccine effective for the new variant?
- How long has the variant been in the US?
- Where has the new strain been detected?
What Is the New COVID-19 Strain, and Does It Infect Kids More Easily?
In addition to all the news about the COVID-19 vaccine, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about a new strain of COVID-19 that originated in the UK, and has since spread to the U.S. and other countries.
Researchers are still gathering information about this new variant, including whether it might more easily infect children than previous strains of COVID-19.
Connecticut Children’s Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH, shares what we know so far:
- What does it mean that there’s a new “strain” or “variant” of COVID-19?
- What is the B117 variant of COVID-19?
- How is the B117 variant of COVID-19 different?
- Is the B117 strain of COVID-19 more dangerous?
- Are children more likely to get sick from this new strain of COVID-19?
- Will the COVID-19 vaccine still work against the B117 strain?
- Should my family be worried about new strains of COVID-19?
Why scientists think UK variant could be more deadly
The announcement that the coronavirus strain sweeping Britain could be more deadly as well as more transmissible has raised fresh concerns about the variant that has spread to dozens of countries. Initially British experts said that their evidence suggested the new strain circulating in the UK - one of several to have emerged internationally in recent months - was between 50 per cent and 70 per cent more transmissible.
On Friday, however, the government said the new variant could also be 30 to 40 per cent more deadly, although it stressed the assessment relied on sparse data. In mid-January, two separate studies by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London were presented to Britain's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG). They linked data from people who tested positive for the virus in the community — rather than in hospital — with death data and found a roughly 30 per cent increase in the risk of death associated with the new strain.
The groups used slightly different methods, but both matched people with the new variant to those with the older variants, taking into account other variables like age and location and controlling for hospitals being under pressure. Other studies by Exeter University and Public Health England also found higher deaths and both came up with even higher figures. Based on these analyses, NERVTAG said there was "a realistic possibility" that infection with the new variant is associated with an increased risk of death compared with previously circulating variants.
UK detects second potentially 'more transmissible' Covid-19 strain from South Africa
A new, potentially more infectious variant of the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19 has been found in Britain in cases linked to South Africa, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Wednesday (Dec 23).
South Africa’s health department said last week that a new genetic mutation of the virus had been discovered and might be responsible for a recent surge in infections there.
“Thanks to the impressive genomic capability of the South Africans, we’ve detected two cases of another new variant of coronavirus here in the UK,” Hancock told a media briefing.
What we know about the COVID-19 cases in Singapore that tested positive for the B117 strain
Four COVID-19 cases in Singapore have so far tested positive for the more virulent B117 strain of the coronavirus.
Three of these cases were reported as community infections earlier this month, and MOH confirmed on Tuesday (Jan 26) night they had tested positive for the new variant. The other case confirmed to have tested positive for the B117 strain is an imported case from December last year.
Besides the four confirmed cases, another 14 cases in Singapore have tested “preliminarily positive” for the new strain. The health ministry has yet to provide an update on their status.
3 more cases in S'pore later confirmed to have UK COVID-19 variant, all in community
Singapore has confirmed three more cases of the more contagious COVID-19 variant identified in the UK. The cases, all community infections that were previously reported, tested positive for the new B.1.1.7 strain based on whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a press release on Tuesday (26 January).
They include a 24-year-old Korean man, a work permit holder who works at Azur at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, who was confirmed to have COVID-19 on 5 January and had tested preliminarily positive for the B.1.1.7 strain. His job entails delivering pre-packed meals to aircrew and hotel guests. He does not interact with diners at Azur.
The other two cases are a 39-year-old Singaporean man, a worker at Singapore Scouts Association, who was confirmed to have COVID-19 on 15 January, and his 39-year-old Singaporean spouse, an administrative officer at OCBC Tampines Centre One, who was confirmed to be infected on the same day
Second reported local COVID-19 case who tested 'preliminarily positive' for new B117 strain
A 20-year-old Singaporean man who works at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is on Friday (Jan 8) the second reported local COVID-19 case who tested preliminarily positive for the new B117 strain.
He is also the third person working at the Azur restaurant in the hotel who tested positive for the coronavirus in the last week.
The man, known as Case 59084, delivered pre-packed meals to air crew members and hotel guests - the same duties that the other two cases linked to the restaurant carried out. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said he did not interact with diners at the restaurant.
Preliminary tests show two more in Singapore have UK Covid-19 strain
A Singapore Airlines pilot and a work pass holder have tested preliminarily positive for the new B117 strain of the coronavirus that is circulating in the United Kingdom.
They were among 27 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Wednesday (Dec 30), taking Singapore's total to 58,569.
The pilot, a 40-year-old Singaporean man, had travelled to the United Kingdom for work between Dec 19 and 22, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday (Dec 30).
Singapore confirms first case of new Covid-19 strain from UK, a 17-year-old student who recently returned from Britain
One case of a new coronavirus strain reported in the United Kingdom to be potentially more contagious has been detected here, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday (Dec 23).
The patient is a 17-year-old Singaporean girl who had studied in the UK.
The Health Ministry said that with the B117 strain circulating in the UK, the National Public Health Laboratory is performing viral genomic sequencing for confirmed Covid-19 cases who arrived from Europe recently.
Singapore confirms 1 COVID-19 case carrying UK virus strain, 11 others 'preliminarily positive'
Singapore has confirmed its first COVID-19 case carrying the potentially more contagious strain of the virus circulating in the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday (Dec 23).
The case confirmed to be carrying the B117 strain is known as Case 58504. She is a 17-year-old female who had been studying in the UK since August. She returned to Singapore on Dec 6 and served her stay-home notice at a dedicated facility upon arrival.
The student developed a fever on Dec 7, and was confirmed to have COVID-19 infection on Dec 8, said MOH. She was included among the imported cases reported on that day.
Annual vaccination against Covid-19 a possibility as coronavirus mutates: Lawrence Wong
Education Minister Lawrence Wong said the pandemic could last four to five years
Singaporeans may have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 yearly, just like how it is for influenza, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said. This is because new vaccines may need to be developed to combat more virulent strains of the coronavirus, given the uncertainties surrounding how the virus could mutate.
In the worst-case scenario, the world could find itself one step behind viral transmissions once again, he said on Monday (Jan 25) during a dialogue hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies. The dialogue was the final event at the think tank’s four-day-long Singapore Perspectives conference titled Reset, which centred around a post-pandemic Singapore.
Early studies suggest that the South African variant of the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus can evade the defences that vaccines build in our bodies, Mr Wong said. The co-chair of the Government’s Covid-19 task force added: “The bottom line is that we live in a shared world and no one is safe until everyone is safe. It could take four to five years before we finally see the end of the pandemic and the start of a post-pandemic normal.”
The COVID-19 Virus Is Mutating. What Does That Mean for Vaccines?
As we enter the second year of living with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus is celebrating its invasion of the world’s population with yet more mutated forms that help it to spread more easily from person to person.
One, first detected in the UK in December, has already raised alarms about whether the COVID-19 virus is now escaping from the protection that vaccines just being rolled out now might provide. The variant has also been found in the US. Already, U.K. officials have tightened lockdowns in England, Scotland and Wales, and over the holidays, more than 40 countries banned travelers from the region in an effort to keep the new strain from spreading to other parts of the world. Health officials are also concerned about a different strain found in South Africa that could become more resistant to vaccine protection. This variant includes a few mutations in key areas that antibodies, generated by the vaccine, target.
Exactly how the new strains affect people who are infected—such as whether they develop more severe symptoms—and whether they can lead to more hospitalizations and deaths, aren’t clear yet. But scientists are ramping up efforts to genetically sequence more samples from infected patients to learn how widespread they are. So far, there are enough hints to worry public health experts.
4 out of 155,000 people vaccinated had severe allergic reactions, all have recovered
There have been four reported cases of anaphylaxis in people who received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said in Parliament on Monday (Feb 1) in Parliament.
This is one more than the number reported last week when the Ministry of Health (MOH) gave an update on the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Singapore.
Dr Puthucheary was responding to parliamentary questions filed by 12 Members of Parliament who had asked for an update on the progress of vaccination as well as the side effects people have encountered to date.
432 'adverse event reports' received among more than 113,000 people vaccinated: MOH
Among more than 113,000 people who took the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, 432 "adverse event reports" have been received by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) from healthcare professionals as of Wednesday (Jan 27), said the Ministry of Health (MOH).
In a statement on Thursday (Jan 28) evening, MOH said that most of such reports were for symptoms generally associated with all vaccinations and mostly resolved on their own within a few days. These include: injection site pain and swelling, fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, giddiness, nausea and allergic reactions such as itch, rash, swelling of eyes or lip.
Three reported cases of anaphylaxis, or rapid onset of severe allergic reactions, have all recovered and were discharged from the hospital after a day's observation or treatment, said MOH.
Coronavirus vaccine: in Singapore, 432 report side effects but experts ‘reassured
Singaporeans aged 70 yrs & above wait to get a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Jan 27. Photo:Reuters
Health experts in Singapore say the relatively high rate of adverse effects from the initial Covid-19 vaccinations delivered by the island nation is not alarming, and is in fact reassuring.
Singapore has given more than 113,000 people the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, after which 432 suffered common side effects, including three people who had anaphylaxis, which is a rapid onset of severe allergic reactions. The data was released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday night as the country embarked on inoculating the general population, with those aged 70 and above getting their first shot on Wednesday. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is one of the 50 who has received their second shot of the vaccine.
The ministry said the three cases of anaphylaxis were “quickly resolved” by health care professionals, and had happened to individuals in their 20s and 30s who had a history of allergies, including allergic rhinitis and food allergies such as to shellfish. None had a history of anaphylaxis, which would have precluded them from the vaccine, and all have been discharged from hospital after a day’s observation or treatment. This puts Singapore’s incidence rate of anaphylaxis at about 2.7 per 100,000 doses administered, compared with other jurisdictions’ one to two per 100,000 doses administered. The ministry said initial variations in the incidence rate were expected given the numbers vaccinated in the island nation were relatively small.
Singapore enters Phase 3 on 28 Dec 2020
Singapore reported 29 new COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Feb 1).
All new infections were imported and were placed on stay-home notice upon arrival in Singapore, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its preliminary daily update.
As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 59,565 COVID-19 cases.
Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus on 23 Jan 2020
A China national has tested positive for the Wuhan virus in Singapore, with another likely to have the virus.
The 66-year-old man, a Wuhan resident, arrived in Singapore with nine travelling companions on Monday (Jan 20), and stayed at Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa resort, the Ministry of Health said at a briefing on Thursday night (23 Jan 2020).
All the rooms at the hotel where the man and his travelling companions stayed in have been sanitised and sealed off.
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