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South Africa detects new coronavirus variant, still studying its mutations

FILE PHOTO: People queue outside a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination centre in Cape TownAlexander WinningMon, August 30, 2021, 9:19 AM·2 min read

By Alexander Winning

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South African scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant with multiple mutations but are yet to establish whether it is more contagious or able to overcome the immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection.

The new variant, known as C.1.2, was first detected in May and has now spread to most South African provinces and to seven other countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania, according to research which is yet to be peer-reviewed.

It contains many mutations associated in other variants with increased transmissibility and reduced sensitivity to neutralising antibodies, but they occur in a different mix and scientists are not yet sure how they affect the behaviour…