A new SARS-CoV-2 variant has been described in the UK and more recently in British Columbia. As a result, non-essential travel was suspended between Canada and the UK until recently. Evidence continues to evolve and emerge around the characteristics and the impacts of this new variant and other variants like the South African variant. The UK variant from the B.1.1.7 lineage is reported to have 14 mutations and may have had impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the host immune response.
The variant is reported to be 71% (95% confidence interval: 67% to 75%) more transmissible than other variants and associated with a higher viral load. This could be attributable to the fact that one of the mutations allows for greater binding affinity of the virus spike protein to the human ACE-2 receptor.
There is no evidence, to date, that suggests increased severity of illness from this variant compared to other variants.6 The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has determined that PCR tests will still be able to detect this variant as the test looks for multiple regions of the virus’ genome. Lastly, current experts opinion states that the new variant is unlikely to make vaccines ineffective. Immune response to the vaccine is likely to generate an array of antibody responses that should protect the host from several variations of the virus. The BCCDC is currently focusing genomic sequencing efforts to cases with recent travel history from the UK or contact with a traveller or in the case of unusual clusters to aid in early detection.
Overall, effective management of this variant involves continue following current public health practices. The health authority is currently scaling up vaccination efforts for a quick and timely rollout. Healthcare professionals, who have recently travelled outside of Canada, should be quarantining for 14 days, prior to resuming work. Departments should make alternative arrangements for staffing rather than permitting staff who’ve recently travelled outside Canada to work on an exceptional basis. Fraser Health will continue to work with local and provincial partners to monitor the presence of the variants and provide additional communications as needed.