In December 2020, a variant of SARS-CoV-2 called VOC-202012/01, or B.1.1.7, was identified in southeastern England. It has since spread to 33 countries and four domestic states: California, Colorado, Florida, and New York. Not long after VOC-202012/01’s identification, South Africa announced that variant 501Y.V2 was rapidly spreading through the republic. Four other countries have reported cases of the strain as well. The fact that VOC-202012/01 and 501Y.V2 are more contagious than the “traditional” SARS-CoV-2 is worrisome to exhausted hospitals, essential workers, regions already struggling to manage the pandemic, and everyone else who just wants this nightmare to end.
Reports on VOC-202012/01, whose name comes from the template of Variant of Concern, year, month, and variant number, reveal that the mutation has “increased transmissibility.” Although this strain spreads more easily, it does not seem to be more severe or have a higher reinfection rate. Perhaps these features are why the United Kingdom is more concerned about 501Y.V2.
Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock of the U.K. said “I’m incredibly worried about the South African variant, and that’s why we took the action that we did to restrict all flights from South Africa,” and, “This is a very, very significant problem … and it’s even more of a problem than the U.K. new variant.”
Named after the N501Y mutation, 501Y.V2 is also more infectious. The reason why this strain is considered such a threat is because the mutations of this variant are, according to immunologist and geneticist Sir John Bell, “really pretty substantial changes in the structure of the (virus’ spike) protein.”
It should be noted that current vaccines will most likely protect against these mutations, and if not, they can be altered to fight the strains. This assumption, however, is not to diminish the severity of the situation. Several countries recognize the importance of taking action and have imposed stricter guidelines and banned flights from the U.K. and/or South Africa.
Both VOC-202012/01 and 501Y.V2 pose a great threat to the United States as cases and deaths are rising. They have the potential to, and in some countries already have, cause a surge and overwhelm hospitals that are already drained of space and supplies. With vaccines rolling out, we are at the eleventh hour. We could be at the start of the end of the coronavirus pandemic. However, if we do not listen to science and do not adhere to CDC guidelines, the situation will inevitably worsen.
