Kent variant of COVID-19 mutates again, say scientists

A handful of tests on the UK variant found the "worrying" mutation, mainly from the South West.

The mutation, known as E484K, could reduce the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines as they were designed for earlier forms of the virus.

Experts believe that the current roll-out of vaccines such as Moderna, Novavax and Janssen should continue to work against the virus and assure the public that the mutation is to be expected as all viruses change and mutate as they spread.

Moreover, the current COVID-19 vaccines can be quickly redesigned to be more effective if new variants prove to be spreading drastically.

This comes as the UK has increased testing for the South Africa variant across England in order to control the spreading of the new variants.

People are still being urged to follow lockdown rules and adhering to government guidance on washing hands, keeping distance and face coverings, as the UK speeds through its vaccination goals.