LONDON: UK experts have expressed their concerns over a new mutated form of coronavirus, 'Delta Plus', for spreading more quickly than the Delta variant.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has relocated it up into the "Variant Under Investigation (VUI)" category to highlight its possible risk. However, there has no evidence yet that it causes more severe illness.
UKHSA said that Delta Plus had become increasingly common in the UK in recent months, and it might have an increased growth rate in the UK compared to Delta.
Although Delta is still deemed for most COVID-19 infections in the UK, 'Delta Plus' or AY.4.2 cases have increased. Reported data suggests six per cent of COVID cases are of this type.
On the positive side, scientists are confident that existing vaccines can still work well to protect people.
