Turns out Yorkshire’s so good, we’ve developed a Coronavirus strain all of our own – and sources say it’s 100% better than the Lancashire version. Now, obviously, we’re kidding about the last part, but all jokes aside – it’s reported that Public Health England has identified a brand new strain of the virus, which appears to have mutated in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Officially declared ‘under investigation’, 49 cases of the variant have so far been confirmed – with scientists claiming there is currently no evidence that the variant is any more ‘serious’ than the others, or in any way resistant to the vaccines currently being distributed.
Sheffield’s Director of Public Health, Greg Fell, said: “Please don’t be alarmed, we want you to continue doing what you have been for the past year. Follow the guidance, continue to wash your hands regularly and wear a mask indoors.”
“Where cases have been identified, additional follow-up of cases, testing of contacts and targeted case-finding will be used to limit the spread of variants.”
Dr Kev Smith, from PHE, said: “So far the people that we have identified are not particularly infectious, they’re not really getting more sick than other cases of coronavirus and we’re not seeing anything particularly worrying about it,”
Adding: “At the moment, we don’t think it’s more infectious than the other coronaviruses that we are seeing around.”
Now all we wonder is if the symptoms are increased patriotism, an incessant desire for gravy, and the ability to sink a pint in one…
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