UK COVID-19 Variant Has 56% Higher Transmission Rate

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyungsoo] A study has found that the variant of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreading in the UK is about 56% more contagious than the existing virus.

According to major foreign media on the 25th, the 'Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Centre' under the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimated that the transmissibility of the COVID-19 variant discovered last month in the southeast of England is approximately 56% stronger than that of the existing virus.

The centre expressed concern that even if the current restrictions continue in the UK, the high transmissibility of the variant virus could lead to an increase in hospitalizations and deaths.

The centre pointed out that the speed of vaccine distribution must be accelerated to prevent the spread of infection.

According to UK health authorities, experts believe that the virus variant found in the UK involves a mutation in the spike protein on the surface of the COVID-19 virus.

The spike protein, a horn-shaped protrusion that allows the virus to penetrate, binds to the ACE-2 receptor of human cells. The mutation is presumed to have increased transmissibility by making the spike protein bind more easily to the ACE-2 receptor.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.