National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (U.S.). Division of Viral Diseases.

Updated Dec. 22, 2020 A new variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 that contains a series of mutations has been described in the United Kingdom (UK) and become highly prevalent in London and southeast England. Based on these mutations, this variant strain has been predicted to potentially be more rapidly transmissible than other circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2. Although a variant may predominate in a geographic area, that fact alone does not mean that the variant is more infectious. Scientists are working to learn more about this variant to better understand how easily it might be transmitted and whether currently authorized vaccines will protect people against it. At this time, there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness or increased risk of death. Information regarding the virologic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics of the variant are rapidly emerging. CDC, in collaboration with other public health agencies, is monitoring the situation closely. CDC will communicate new information as it becomes available.

Executive summary -- Does this variant have a name? -- Why has this variant been in the news recently? -- Why has this variant emerged in the UK? -- Have we seen this variant in the United States? -- What do we know already about variants containing N501Y? -- What about the other mutations in this variant of SARS-CoV-2? -- What implications could the emergence of new variants have? -- Is this new variant related to the newly emergent variant in South Africa? -- What is CDC doing to track emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2?

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