We answer the key questions about the latest trend in the fight against Covid-19

What happened

Within a week of learning about one new mutant series of coronavirus, the UK now has another.

The variant was found in two, one in London and another in the North West, who came into contact with individuals returning from South Africa.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said yesterday he was ‘very anxious’ and that the variant was ‘more volatile’ than the initial pressure the UK has been fighting.

Where did the new strain come from?

The new variant appeared after the first wave of coronavirus at Nelson Mandela Bay, in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa, and quickly became mainstream in the region.

South Africa has the highest number of coronavirus infections recorded in Africa, with around 900,000 cases and more than 20,000 associated deaths.

The strain was constructed in this country using genomic sequences.

What was done to deal with it?

The two people in the UK who have a new strain of the virus have been quarantined, along with their close relatives.

The variant will now be examined quickly at the English Public Health research laboratory at Porton Down in Wiltshire.

What more can the authorities do?

It is understood the law could change to introduce a travel ban for most people flying from South Africa.

At the same time, returning travelers from South Africa – and their acquaintances – must go alone for ten days.

What does it mean for the fight against the virus?

One mutation in the new snout, called N501Y, is thought to help the virus become more infectious – and spread more easily between humans.

That means measures such as social distance, wearing a mask and avoiding unnecessary connections have become more important.

What about the vaccine?

Dr Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, said at a Downing Street news conference that there is no evidence that the new snoring could stop coronavirus vaccines from working.

Scientists will test the blood of those who have been vaccinated against, or have recovered from, the coronavirus vaccine to make sure they can fight off the new snoring.