Surge testing has been deployed to parts of south London after 44 new cases of the South African Covid-19 variant were discovered, along with 30 “probable” infections.
Experts are saying this variant of concern may be able to get round some of the protection of the coronavirus vaccines, and people are understandably worried.
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for NHS Test and Trace, has said that the cluster of cases in south London is "significant".
People are now being asked to get tested if they live in the affected areas in a bid to stop “any further spread within the local community”.
But is the South African Covid variant more deadly? And is it resistant to the coronavirus vaccines? Here we explore.
What is the South African variant?
The South African variant is a mutation of Covid-19.
All viruses constantly mutate into new versions, or variants, with small genetic changes.
The South African Variant, also known as 501.V2 or B.1.351, has some significant changes that experts are trying to understand.
Is the South African variant more deadly?
The South African variant is not believed to be more deadly than the main strain, but it is known to spread more quickly.
Studies have found that it is more transmissible than the original Covid-19 variant, but does not appear to cause more severe symptoms.
As with the original strain, the risk is highest for people who are elderly, or have underlying health conditions.
Do vaccines work against the South African variant?
The current vaccines which are approved for use in the UK are designed around the original Covid-19 variant.
However, they should still offer some protection against new variants.
It is too soon to know exactly how much protection they give until more tests are completed.
Early results from a New York University study show that the Pfizer vaccine offers protection against the South African variant, but this was only done on a small number of people.
A small study of 2,000 people in South Africa showed that the AstraZeneca vaccine offers minimal protection, but it is still likely to reduce severe cases and deaths from the new strain.
Oxford University is working on adapting the vaccine to ensure protection against other variants, and has said a “booster jab” could be available this autumn.
Early results from research into the Moderna vaccine has found that the shot is still effective against the South African variant, but the immune response may not be as strong or prolonged.
