New covid-19 variant detected in UK

Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive, said that the potential impact of BA.2.86 was “difficult to estimate” due to “limited information” being available.

Speeding up the schedule would deliver greater protection, particularly for those at greatest risk of severe illness, experts said (Peter Byrne/PA)

A new variant of the virus which causes Covid-19 was detected in the UK on August 18.

The variant, known as BA.2.86, is not classified as a “variant of concern”, but scientists have said it carries a high number of mutations.