Bristol Covid mutation designated as 'Variant of Concern'

9 February 2021, 16:57 | Updated: 9 February 2021, 20:03

A coronavirus mutation first identified in Bristol has been designated a "Variant of Concern"
A coronavirus mutation first identified in Bristol has been designated a "Variant of Concern". Picture: PA

By Kate Buck

A coronavirus mutation first identified in Bristol has been designated a "Variant of Concern" by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG).

A variant first seen in Liverpool has also been named as a variant "under investigation".

Public Health England has now identified 76 cases of the new variants, and says "with a high degree of confidence" that vaccines will work against them.

Surge testing is being rolled out in areas where the new variants have been identified in an effort to keep any further outbreaks under control.

READ MORE: Van Tam advises against 'elaborate' summer holidays

The areas with this enhanced testing include Worcestershire (WR3), an area in Sefton (PR9), and areas in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Manchester.

Oxford Uni expert says we need to be aggressive at halting new strains

It comes as thousands in Manchester will be tested for coronavirus after a mutation of the more transmissible Kent variant was detected there.

Some 10,000 extra tests will be rolled out in the region from Tuesday, after four people from two unconnected households were found to be infected with the E484K mutation, which is linked to the Kent strain, Manchester City Council said.

This follows similar surges in testing in Worcestershire, Sefton, Merseyside, and areas in Bristol and south Gloucestershire, after variants were found.

Extra testing sites will be set up to enable anyone aged over 16 who lives, works or studies in the affected areas - which includes postcodes in Hulme, Moss Side, Whalley Range and Fallowfield.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Although the committee noted there were "signs of improvement", PAC chairman Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said Sellafield continued to present "intolerable risks".

'Intolerable risks': Shocking report warns UK’s most hazardous nuclear site could leak radioactive water until 2050s

Exclusive
The Home Office confirmed that 1,194 asylum seekers reached the UK in 18 small boats on Saturday—the highest daily total so far in 2025.

Amber Rudd tells Government to ‘get a grip’ as record 1,194 Migrants cross channel in one day

Exclusive
Former head of the diplomatic service Lord Simon McDonald stressed to LBC's Andrew Marr that NATO 'couldn't force the UK to do anything'.

Former Foreign Office head tells LBC NATO ‘can't force UK to do anything’ but warns of ‘painful cuts’ in spending review

The 46-year-old, who has twice won a national bravery award, then slammed the teenager to the ground and placed his hand over the boy’s face while shouting threats and curse words

Award-winning police officer sacked for ‘lack of respect’ after slamming knife-carrying teen to ground

On March 20, 2022, hundreds of protesters attended a rally in front of Hackney Town Hall, London, United Kingdom, to demonstrate their support for Child Q.

Black schoolgirl was ‘demeaned’ and felt ‘physically violated’ after police strip search while on her period

Sunny Jacobs

Exonerated US death row inmate turned campaigner dies in Irish house fire

Commander Julian Bennett outside a Metropolitan Police misconduct hearing at Palestra House, south east London.

Senior Met officer sacked for second time over refusing drugs test

Just before midnight, after major broadcasters projected that Lee Jae-myung would win the presidency, he made his first public appearance with his wife, Kim Hye-Kyung, in front of the National Assembly to greet his supporters.

South Korea opposition Lee Jae-myung wins election following months of martial law chaos

Police officers cover with an inflatable tent, behind a firefighter vehicle, the tents delimiting the scene of an incident in Water Street.

Four people injured in Liverpool parade can be named as restrictions lifted after horror crash

Search teams look through a derelict and abandoned property to the west of Praia De Luz, Portugal in the search for Madeleine McCann.

Madeleine McCann detectives drain well as police look for toys and DNA in renewed search

Sir Tony Blair spoke at the SXSW festival in London and said Britain needs to embrace AI.

Tony Blair says Britain should have AI doctors and nurses as former PM claims it's 'absurd' not to do more in the NHS

Pipers at the statue to Robert The Bruce during a re-enactment to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Battle Of Bannockburn.

Controversial trotting track development at historic Bannockburn battlefield site dismissed

Ukraine’s underwater explosion attack on Crimean Bridge caught on camera

Ukraine’s underwater explosion attack on Crimean Bridge caught on camera

Dutch PM Dick Schoof steps down and far-right leader Geert Wilders quits as Dutch government plunged into chaos

Dutch PM Dick Schoof steps down and far-right leader Geert Wilders quits as Dutch government plunged into chaos

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia

Six things you need to know about Alzheimers - as drug trials bring new hope

Police on duty outside Windsor Castle (file image)

Man in his 30s arrested after breaking into grounds at Windsor Castle