South Africa variant
A new variant of coronavirus is circulating rapidly around South Africa.
All viruses mutate and the strain in South Africa is called 501.V2.
The South African variant carries a mutation called E484K, among others, and is different from another recently discovered variant that scientists have been studying in the UK.
The South African variant appears to be more contagious than the original strain of the virus, but it does not appear to have any other differing symptoms.
There is no evidence to suggest the South Africa variant is any more dangerous than the original strain.