The strain, Beta, was first observed in South Africa last year and it has already been perceived as a danger to the UK. It is now found in more than 120 countries. Therefore, since July 19, the UK government have decided to maintain the travel rules for people arriving from France. People coming from ‘amber list’ countries will not be required to isolate themselves for 10 days but will require testing throughout quarantine.
The strain, which is also known as B.1.351, is deemed to be of concern by the World Health Organisation. Just like the other strains: Alpha, Gamma and Delta, it has been found to be more contagious, more virulent and more resistant than the original Covid-19 virus.
The strain may posed a threat as evidence shows that it may evade the effects of vaccines. Professor John Edmunds, a scientist involved in advising the UK government, stated, “The Beta variant has remained a threat throughout. It is probably less infectious than the Delta variant that is spreading at the moment but it has the advantage to be able to escape the immune response to better extent.”
