Covid: Missing person tested positive for Brazil variant found in England

Officials have been hunting for the unknown individual after cases of the P1 variant of concern were detected in the UK on February 28, according to the BBC.

A total of six cases of the variant - three in Scotland and three in England. The variant was first identified in the Brazilian city of Manaus.

Although it is not yet known if the mutation causes more severe Covid-19 evidence suggests it may be more transmissible.

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The variant was detected in Brazil and in travellers from Brazil to Japan, and contains a unique constellation of lineage defining mutations.

The P. 1 variant is associated with a surge of cases in Manaus late last year, which led to a severe second wave of Covid-19.

Scientists were concerned because this raised the possibility it is able more easily re-infect patients due to the mutations it carries. But the evidence for this is currently limited.

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Director of Public Health in Sheffield, Greg Fell has assured the public that the new highly infectious Brazil strain of Covid should not be a reason to panic.

He said the variant was not detected in Sheffield that they know of.

But, concerns were raised on how the new variant could contract the people who have been previously infected with the original strain of the virus.

He also expressed his worries on the implications of the effectiveness of the vaccines against the new Covid variant.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.