Public health actions to control new SARS-CoV-2 variants

Abstract

Recent reports suggest that some SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants, such as B.1.1.7, might be more transmissible and are quickly spreading around the world. As the emergence of more transmissible variants could exacerbate the pandemic, we provide public health guidance for increased surveillance and measures to reduce community transmission.

Figure 1

Rising global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant (A) Location of the 17 amino acid substitutions that define the B.1.1.7 variant genome. Eight amino acid substitutions are in the important spike gene (S), including N501Y and Δ69/70 HV. (B) Prior to B.1.1.7, B.1.177 (also called “20A.EU1”) was the dominant variant in the UK, although it is not believed to have arisen due to increased transmissibility. Since the earliest sequenced sample of B.1.1.7 (September 20, 2020), it started to displace B.1.177 and other variants in the UK. The rapid rise of B.1.1.7 sequences in the UK alerted officials that this was a variant of concern. (C) As of January 11, 2021, B.1.1.7 has been detected in 49 countries, of which 30 countries have shared sequences. Germany was the earliest to report local transmission of B.1.1.7 on November 27, 2020 (cov-lineages.org/global_report.html).