New COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 detected in UK, raising concerns

Yesterday, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified a novel COVID-19 variant, designated as BA.2.86, within the nation’s borders. The UKHSA officially announced this discovery through a statement posted on its official website.

As indicated by the UKHSA, this freshly identified COVID-19 variant originated in an individual who had not engaged in recent travel activities. Dr. Meera Chand, the Deputy Director of the UKHSA, conveyed, “We have been informed of a verified case within the UK. Following a comprehensive evaluation, we will furnish additional information in due course.”

On Thursday, the US health authorities and the World Health Organisation, WHO said they were closely monitoring a new variant of Covid-19.

Although, the potential impact of BA.2.86 is currently unknown as WHO designated the virus as a ‘variant under monitoring’ following the large number of mutations it carries.

The BA.2.86 variant has also been identified in Denmark, Israel and the USA.