By Ben Kerrigan-
A new South African variant may be more tramsmissbe than originally thought, scientific researchers say have said.
The C.1.2 variant has an increased transmissibility” and an increased ability to evade antibodues, according to research published by South African groups , including the KwaZulu-Natal Research and the National Institute for Diseases.
The news comes as the number of organ transplants fell by more than 30 per cent during the first wave of Covid in 2020. News of a more transmissible South African variant could put pressure on various governments to stop flights co ing from South Africa , until the particular variant is brought under control.
Only a few days ago, scientists revealed that those who fall ill due to the Delta variant are more likely to be hospitalised. Experts say the big study, published in The Lancet, reinforces the importance of that people getting fully jabbed.
The study, led by Public Health England (PHE) and the Medical Research Council, looked at 43,338 Covid cases that occurred between March and May – when both Alpha, also known as Kent, variant, and Delta were circulating in the society.
Risk of hospital admission was twice as high for individuals diagnosed with the Delta variant, compared to those with Alpha, after adjusting for differences such as age, sex and ethnicity.
Experts said being vaccinated should bring down this risk, adding that both doses are needed for maximum protection according to research which suggests that while protection against symptomatic infections may wane somewhat over time, both vaccines still offer good protection against hospitalisations and deaths caused by Delta.
More than 47.9 million people, or about 88% of people aged 16 and over in the UK, have now received a first dose of a vaccine.
Some 42 million people, or about 78% of people aged 16 and over, have had a second.
Dr Gavin Dabrera, from PHE, said: “We already know that vaccination offers excellent protection against Delta and, as this variant accounts for over 99% of Covid cases in the UK, it is vital that those who have not received two doses of vaccine do so as soon as possible.
“It is still important that if you have Covid symptoms, stay home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, ongoing research of The British public by The Eye of Media,com suggests a marked divide in opinion about news coverage about the virus.