NHS leaders watching new COVID-19 variant with concern

 Responding to news of a new COVID-19 variant Dr Layla McCay director of policy at the NHS Confederation said:

“It is, as yet, too early to know whether this new variant will be more transmissible or less responsive to the vaccines currently available to help combat coronavirus. 

“Eighteen months into this pandemic healthcare leaders will however be watching this development with concern as we head into one of the most challenging winters the NHS has ever faced.

“It is reassuring that the government appears to be monitoring this new variant closely and taking actions to reduce the risk of it becoming prevalent in the UK. 

 “We can all help reduce the ongoing spread of this disease by regularly testing ourselves, wearing masks in enclosed spaces, doing what we can to keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and making sure we get both doses of the coronavirus vaccine and the booster jab if we are eligible.”