British scientists have identified and studied a new version of the COVID-19 virus in the United Kingdom. According to the BBC, to date 16 cases of the new coronavirus variant have been detected in the country, the first of which was identified on February 15. The new strain of the COVID-19 virus is referred to as VUI -202102/04, where VUI stands for ‘virus under review’. The new variant was reportedly named VUI on February 24, about ten days after it was first discovered.
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Public Health England (PHE) said on Thursday that everyone who has tested positive for the new variant has been lonely, including those who came in contact with them. “This change in VUI means that there are now 4 VUIs and 4 VOCs (various concerns) currently being held in the UK,” PHE said in a press release on March 4. On Wednesday, Wednesday 59 cases of South African difference and 26 cases of Brazil difference in the United Kingdom.
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Last year, the UK had to postpone a hard reset to prevent the spread of a new, more deadly variant of the COVID-19 virus. Scientists said the new variant was dangerous because of its ability to spread rapidly. Experts believe the variant contributed to more cases in the second wave due to the higher viral loads.
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UK moves towards full normalization
Earlier last week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across the UK and allow the country to slowly return to normalcy. Prime Minister Johnson allowed schools and colleges across England to reopen from March 8. The government will allow the reopening of non-essential shops, including indoor recreation facilities such as second-tier gyms from April 12 onwards.
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