Brazilian strain15 Jan 2021 11:26
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9150527/Fears-Brazilian-strain-reinfect-Covid-survivors.html
A Brazilian coronavirus variant that is feared could reinfect survivors is already in the UK and has been here for 'some time', a leading scientist confirmed today.
Professor Wendy Barclay, from Imperial College London, also revealed there were two different types of the variant, and that only one had been spotted in Britain.
The virologist, who is head of a new Government-led research unit studying Covid mutations, said the strain was probably introduced 'some time ago'.
She said: There are two different types of Brazilian variants. One of them has been detected [in the UK] and one of them has not.
'In the databases, if you search the sequences, you will see that there is some evidence for variants from around the world, and I believe including the Brazilian one, which probably was introduced some time ago.'
Professor Barclay did not reveal the differences between the two Brazilian strains, but it's believed both share mutations on their spike proteins which make them more infectious and may help them get past immunity from vaccines and older versions of the virus.
It comes despite Public Health England claiming as recently as yesterday it had not spotted any cases of a Brazilian strain. Earlier this morning, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he was 'not aware' of any cases.
It comes as fears grow that Covid survivors may not be immune to the Brazilian variant, as scientists believe the mutation sparked an explosive second wave in the country's vast state of Amazonas.
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