Ireland has almost as many cases of P1, one of the most worrying Covid-19 variants of concern, as the UK, despite a much smaller population. The UK had recorded 10 confirmed cases of the variant up to Monday. Key mutationLike the South African variant, P1 includes a key mutation, called E484K, which may help the virus evade antibodies, part of the immune system. Ireland has a further 13 cases of P2, another potentially problematic Brazilian variant which is under investigation. Dr Cillian de Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, says the reasons for the increase in P1 cases aren’t clear.

Source: The Irish Times March 24, 2021 03:28 UTC