A new COIVD variant, C.1.2. Researchers at South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform found C.1.2 has between 44-59 mutations in regions such as the spike protein, receptor binding motif, and furin cleavage site, representing more mutations than previous variants of interest and variants of concern. The mutations described in the article are associated with increased neutralizing antibody evasion, increased transmissibility, and potentially increased viral reproduction. A rapid mutation rate could create a virus that makes all of our current vaccines ineffective. The best way to slow further mutations and control the current strains of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and continue to practice social distancing and masking, as appropriate.
