Beta variant SURGE: How effective are the Covid vaccines against the rising Beta strain?
The Beta variant of the coronavirus was first detected in South Africa and is thought to have been the main cause of the country’s second wave of the virus. Now, however, the strain has begun surging in France, sparking calls to put our close neighbour on the UK’s red list for travel.
What is the beta variant?
The beta variant, also known as B.1.351, shares some of the same mutations as the strains first detected in the UK and Brazil.
The strain is not thought to be more deadly than any other mutation, though it is known to spread much quicker.
There is no evidence the South Africa variant causes more serious illness for the vast majority of people who become infected.
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