Topic: Covid: Which areas are being mass tested for new variants?
Covid: Which areas are being mass tested for new variants?
Mass testing - or ดาวน์โหลด slotxo surge testing - is taking place to help stop the spread of new, more infectious strains of Covid-19.
The Brazil variant, the South African variant and a new mutation of the Kent variant are those being targeted.
The Brazilian variant
The strain does not appear to cause more serious illness in the vast majority of people. However, it is believed to spread more easily and vaccines may not work as well against it.
There are six known cases in the UK, including two in South Gloucestershire and three in Aberdeen.
The South Africa variant
Like the Brazilian variant, the South African variant is not considered to be more dangerous.
However, there are concerns it could spread more easily and get around the vaccine.
A small study conducted in South Africa suggests the Oxford AstraZeneca jab offers "minimal protection" against mild disease caused by the variant.