Scientists at the Center for Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have found that a new strain of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which originated in the south-east of England, will lead to an increase in hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 next year. The main danger of the British variety of infection is revealed in a press release on Phys.org.
While it is not yet known whether the new strain is more virulent and dangerous to an infected person, it is potentially more infectious as it quickly replaces other forms of SARS-CoV-2. High infectivity implies that the strain will contribute to increased morbidity, increased burden on health systems, and increased mortality. However, even regional restrictions will not be able to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 if educational institutions are not closed.
The British strain is currently registered in countries such as Germany and Switzerland.
According to vaccine developers, the new coronavirus strain remains vulnerable to existing vaccines. For example, the Moderna company said that its vaccine promotes the formation of a wide range of antibodies that potentially neutralize SARS-CoV-2.