The COVID-19 variant first found in the U.K. that is now making its way across the U.S. could be up to 70% deadlier than the early version of the virus, according to a new British study.
Experts from universities and public agencies in Britain found the new strain, known as B.1.1.7, is 30% to 70% deadlier than the original strain, according to Fox News.
At first, scientists there said the new variant was more communicable, but added that it did not appear more dangerous. But British Prime Minister Boris Johnson late last month tweeted that it “may also be associated with a higher degree of mortality.”
“We have now learned that, in addition to spreading more quickly, the new variant of the virus may also be associated with a higher degree of mortality,” Johnson said. “It is therefore more important than ever that we all follow the rules and stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
The new study, which examined a large number of patients, appears to confirm that.
“There is evidence from analysis of multiple different datasets that infection with VOC B1.1.7 is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and death compared to infection with” other forms of the virus, the authors of the study said.