WHO says in close contact with UK officials on new Covid-19 virus variant
FILE PHOTO: The headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) are pictured during the World Health Assembly (WHA) following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Geneva, Switzerland, May 18, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
The World Health Organisation said on Saturday it was in close contact with UK officials over a new Covid-19 virus variant.
"They'll (UK officials) continue to share info & results of their analysis & ongoing studies. We'll update Member States & public as we learn more about the characteristics of this virus variant & any implications", WHO said in a tweet.
A new strain of coronavirus identified in the United Kingdom is up to 70% more infectious but it is not thought to be more deadly and vaccines should still be effective, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and scientists said on Saturday.
