UK-Origin Variant Virus Spreads to Over 50 Countries in Just Over a Month

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 16th (local time) that the new variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) originating from the UK has spread to more than 50 countries in just over a month.

According to the report, the variant virus announced as 'B117' in the UK on the 14th of last month was confirmed in Argentina on the 16th of this month, and the UK-origin variant virus has been found in nearly 20 European countries.

In particular, Portugal, taking advantage of its vulnerable healthcare system, has seen a surge of the UK-origin variant virus, recording 11,000 confirmed cases and 166 deaths on the 16th.

Variants originating from South Africa and Brazil, besides the UK, are also increasing their spread.

The UK confirmed 8 cases of the Brazil-origin variant on the same day and blocked entry of travelers coming from Latin American countries and Spain.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warned in its weekly report released on the 15th that the UK-origin variant virus could dominate by next month.