Britain says the new variant of COVID-19 is the most significant found by Reuters

By Alistair Smout and Costas Pitas

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain said on Friday that a newly identified variant of the coronavirus that is spreading in South Africa was a major concern and that scientists believe it is still the most significant to be found because vaccines could be effective.

The UK Health Safety Agency said the variant – called B.1.1.529 – contained a spinal protein from the original coronavirus based on COVID-19 vaccines.

The variant has also been found in Botswana and Hong Kong, and Britain has banned flights from South Africa and five surrounding countries.

“No case of this variant has been detected in the UK at the moment. But this new variant is of great international concern,” Health Minister Sajid Javid told lawmakers.

“We are concerned that this new variant may pose a significant risk to public health. The variant has an unusual number of mutations.”

Javid paid tribute to South African scientists for their openness and transparency. South Africa said the decision by Britain to stop flights to the country seemed urgent.

Javid pointed out that there were many things that were not yet known about the variant, but early indications suggested that vaccines could be more effective and more transmissible, and was concerned about the rise in cases in South Africa.

“One of the lessons of this pandemic has been that we need to move quickly and as soon as possible,” Javid said.

Earlier, British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps advocated a temporary ban on flights from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini.

“Scientists have described (this is) the most significant variant they have found in their research so far,” Shapps told Sky News.

Flights will remain open until Sunday, at which time entry will be banned for all, including British and Irish citizens and those entitled to residence, except those who will have to quarantine in hotels.

Virgin Atlantic, which currently offers London’s Heathrow-Johannesburg service, said flights had been canceled until Sunday and was reviewing next week’s timetable.