COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) new variant VUI-202012
                     COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) NEW 
VARIANT VUI-202012/01
INTRODUCTION
• On 14 December 2020, authorities of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and 
Northern Ireland announced to WHO that a new SARS-CoV-2 variant was detected 
by viral genomic sequencing. 
• This version is referred to as SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01 (Variant Under Review, 
year 2020, month 12, variant 01) (Variant Under Investigation, year 2020, month 
12, variant 01). 
Source: www.who.int
NEW VARIANT
• Initial research reveals that the variant can spread between people more quickly. 
Study is under way to determine if this variant is related to any improvements in 
symptom duration, anti-body reaction or vaccine effectiveness.
Source: www.who.int
TOTAL CASE
• As of 13 December 2020, there were a total of 1108 cases of SARS-CoV-2 VUI 
202012/01 infection in the UK. 
• The version has been taken into account as a part of an epidemiologic and 
virological study undertaken in Southeast England in earlier December 2020, 
following an unforeseen surge in COVID 19 cases. 
Source: www.indianexpress.com
INCREASE CASES IN UK
• The 14-day notification rate from epidemiological week 41 to week 50 was 
distinguished by a more than three-fold increase (5 October to 13 December 
2020). 
• About 5% and 10% of all SARS-CoV-2 viruses have been routinely sequenced in 
the UK and 4% routinely sequenced since the onset of the pandemic in South East 
England. 
Source: www.news18.com
FIRST REPORTED CASE
• More than 50 percent of the isolates found in South-East England as variant strain 
were identified from 5 October to 13 December. 
• The first reported variant was retrospective research on 20 September 2020 in 
Kent, Southeast England, which was followed by a fast development of the same 
variant later in November.
Source: www.reuters.com
N501Y
• One of the known mutations (N501Y) is the modification of an amino acid in the 
six main receptor residues (RBD). 
• According to the Global Initiative for Data Exchange on Avian Influenza (GISAID), 
in many countries (including South Africa and Australia) this very same domain 
binding receptor mutation (N501Y) was independently identified. The N501Y Virus 
mutation identified in the UK and South Africa has been seen separately in a 
sequence review.
Source: www.sciencechronicle.com
P681H
• Finally, the deletion of the diagnostic PCR tests using the S-gene target at position 
69/70 was decided. 
• The majority of PCR studies worldwide use multiple objectives and thus the 
diagnostic effect of the version is not supposed to be important.
Source: www.who.int
PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE
• The United Kingdom authorities have 
sent genomic data from this version to 
GISAID and genomic monitoring 
continues throughout the world to 
monitor this situation. 
• On the 19th of December 2020, officials 
in the UK announced that Tier 4 limits 
will extend to the affected regions, 
including decreases in social events and 
stricter controls on movement.
Source: 
www.worldeconomicforum.com
WHO RISK ASSESSMENT
• In order to better understand the effects of particular mutations on viral 
properties and diagnostics, therapeutics and the efficacy of vaccines, more 
laboratory studies are needed. 
• The study is complicated and involves time and coordination between various 
research groups.
Source: www.who.int
WHO ADVICE
• Avoid direct contact with persons with 
acute respiratory infections
• Frequent washing of hands, particularly 
after direct interaction with the sick or 
environment;
• Improving levels of infection prevention 
and checks in hospitals, especially in 
emergency departments, within 
healthcare facilities
• Wear masks and ensure proper 
ventilation where possible
Source: www.who.int