UK warns new coronavirus variant could be more deadly | DW News

DW News published this video item, entitled “UK warns new coronavirus variant could be more deadly | DW News” – below is their description.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says there is now evidence to suggest the new coronavirus variant first detected in the UK is not only more contagious but more deadly as well. The mutation has now spread to more than 60 countries. And Britain itself is struggling to bring infections under control.

It’s a relentless nightmare for healthcare workers across the UK. The shifts are physically and emotionally grueling. Countless lives cannot be saved.

Many more people have been hospitalized than during the first peak last April – and a coronavirus variant known as B117 is playing a significant role in the suffering.

Scientists say it’s almost certainly more infectious.

And now government health advisers believe it could be more deadly, though they caution the assessment’s based on sparse data.

The UK has one of the highest death rates from COVID in the world. Almost 100,000 people have lost their lives – with ethnic minorities disproportionately affected.

Those groups are also more likely to refuse vaccinations when offered them – so authorities are trying to tackle mistrust and disinformation. Mosques have joined the campaign to persuade skeptical Muslims.

The UK has been making good progress with inoculations – administering jabs to a larger percentage of its population than any other European country. But the government says restrictions won’t be eased until infections have dropped and it’s sure the vaccination program is working.

DW News YouTube Channel

Got a comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, below. Please note comments are moderated before publication.


About This Source - DW News

DW News is a global English-language news and information channel from German public international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, established in summer 2015.

Recent from DW News:

Congo president sworn in for second term | dw news 1

Congo president sworn in for second term | DW News

Iran Revolutionary Guards reportedly killed in airstrike in Damascus | DW News

US mulls seizing $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine | DW News

In This Story: COVID-19

Covid-19 is the official WHO name given to the novel coronavirus which broke out in late 2019 and began to spread in the early months of 2020.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • a persistent new cough (non productive, dry)
  • a high temperature (e.g. head feels warm to the touch)
  • shortness of breath (if this is abnormal for the individual, or increased)

Latest News about Covid-19

Below are stories from around the globe related to the 2020 outbreak of novel Coronavirus – since the WHO gave the Covid-19 naming. Most recent items are posted nearest the top.

5 Recent Items: COVID-19

Global National: Jan. 19, 2024 | Health data shows influenza, COVID-19 cases decreasing in Canada

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 hit record highs as tech stocks soar | January 19, 2024

Stock market today: Stocks climb with techs ready to roar | January 19, 2023

Dr Anthony Fauci ‘became part of the problem’ when it came to the spread of Covid misinformation

WEF summit: Canada warns of future supply shocks amid global instability

Leave a Comment

We don't require your email address, or your name, for anyone to leave a comment. If you do add an email address, you may be notified if there are replies to your comment - we won't use it for any other purpose. Please make respectful comments, which add value, and avoid personal attacks on others. Links are not allowed in comments - 99% of spam comments, attempt to post links. Please describe where people may find additional information - for example "visit the UN website" or "search Google for..." rather than posting a link. Comments failing to adhere to these guidelines will not be published.