Britain could discover within “a few days” whether vaccines work against new mutant coronavirus. Scientists are growing the new variant at a Porton Down military base before testing whether antibodies can prevent it infecting cells.
The verdict is crucial to prospects of a return to normal life from Spring. Scientists said NHS records will also flag up within weeks if those already vaccinated are going on to contract the variant, known as VUI- 202012/01.
It has now been reported in five other European countries after evolving in south east England. Countries have barred Brits from entering after data suggested the variant out-competes its predecessor and spreads 70% more.