UK Classifies New COVID-19 Virus Variant

The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced today the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 was declared a variant under investigation (VUL).

The UKHSA stated in a media release that the variant includes many spike protein mutations and mutations in other parts of the viral genome.

These are potentially biologically significant mutations that may change the behavior of the coronavirus with regards to COVID-19 vaccines, antibody and/or antiviral treatments, and transmissibility.

More investigation is currently underway by the WHO and other organizations.

Separately, the WHO announced B.1.1.529 was designated a VOC named Omicron.

As of 9 am CT on November 25, 2021, no B.1.1.529 cases have been identified in the U.K. or U.S.