Reports of a new 'Deltacron' Covid variant: What we know

by 24britishtvJan. 9, 2022, 10 p.m. 75
-

A new Covid strain that combines the Delta and Omicron variant has been found in Cyrpus, according to reports.

The Express and Bloomberg are reporting that Leondios Kostrikis, professor of biological sciences at the University of Cyprus has found 25 cases of the 'Deltacron' strain in Cyprus.

Professor Kostrikis said: "We will see in the future if this strain is more pathological or more contagious or if it will prevail."

The sequences of the Deltacron cases were sent to GISAID, an international database that tracks changes in Coronavirus on January 7.

Experts have said it is too early to assess the potential new strain.

In the seven days leading up to January 9, the UK had 1,217,097 positive cases of Covid-19 and 1,295 deaths.

It comes after Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi has insisted tests will remain free amid criticism after suggestions they could be scaled back despite soaring coronavirus cases.

The Sunday Times reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson would make the announcement within weeks, while the NHS Test and Trace system could also be scaled back.

Mr Zahawi told Sky’s Trevor Phillips on Sunday: “I saw that story this morning, which I was slightly puzzled by because I don’t recognise it at all. This is absolutely not where we are at.

“For January alone 425 million lateral flow tests (are) coming in and they will continue to be available for free.

“I don’t really recognise where that story is coming from.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned Boris Johnson that axing universal free lateral flow tests would be an “utterly wrongheaded” approach to dealing with coronavirus.

-

Related Articles

HOT TRENDS

Richarlison considered quitting football during post-World Cup depression

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 7 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Richarlison had dark thoughts after World Cup

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 2 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Gogglebox star George Gilbey has died aged 40

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

Households with washing machine told to stop using two temperatures

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Professor T review — Ben Miller’s jailed sleuth evokes Paddington 2

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Former England captain Houghton to retire

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Professor T, series 3, review: a show as awkward as Ben Miller’s sleuth

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 10 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Melanoma and the Wrong Site

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 9 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

STOXX Licenses First Crypto Blue Chip Index

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 9 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Jonathan Gullis's promotion shows just how finished the Tories are

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 8 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Bradley 'buzzing' with first NI goal in win over Scots

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 8 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

BNG social takes five year SSA euros to €6.75bn in Easter week

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

See why Alan Titchmarsh had his trousers censored while on North Korean TV

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

De Bruyne's wife stuns in high-split skirt on night out with fellow Wag

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Trump mocks ex-RNC chair Ronna McDaniel for being fired by NBC

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 6 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Gareth Southgate Hails Kobbie Mainoo’s Impact For England

by 24britishtvMarch 27, 2024, 6 p.m.2