Q&A: What we know about the South African Covid-19 variant

Here we answer some of your questions about the newest variant.

The South African variant was first identified last month and arrived in Ireland earlier this week.

A new variant of Covid-19 first detected in South Africa has arrived in Ireland. It follows the arrival of the UK variant on our shores last month.

All viruses, including the coronavirus, mutate as it replicates itself and spreads.