Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Thursday, Professor Horby said that South Africa’s mutation seemed easier than Covid’s other series, although he warned that there was little information about about it yet.
He said early studies had revealed that the new variant had several mutations in its receptor binding domain, the area that determines how easy it is for the immune system to fight off .
He said: “These two reasons are why this virus is a cause for concern. It may be more contagious, so it may be more difficult to control. And all three may These mutations that are in the receptor binding area affect the ability of antibodies to neutralize the virus.
“That could make it easier to get immune and may mean that antibody – based treatments and vaccines may not be as effective. Now we don’t know for sure. until the laboratory tests are carried out. But the structural data would suggest that this is possible. “
Earlier this month, Boris John ruled out the possibility of issuing “protection licenses” to people who already had Covid. Earlier in the pandemic it was hoped that those who had preceded the virus would have effective immunity that would allow them to free themselves from some government restrictions.
The latest figures showed the number of daily deaths from Covid was at 744, the highest number since April, and daily cases hit a high of 39,237.
The critical infection rate has already wiped out Christmas “bubble” time for around 18 million people already in Phase 4. New revisions are expected on December 30, with ministers suggesting they could be place until Easter.