New Variants Of COVID-19 - Raffles Medical Group
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Digital generated image of of the novel coronavirus. (GRAPHIC: Getty Images)
29 January 2021
New Variants Of COVID-19
All viruses mutate when they replicate in order to adapt to their 2021 in Brazil’s Manaus City and travellers from Brazil
environment and maximise their chances of survival. Since the who flew to Japan. Eight countries have detected cases
appearance of the COVID-19 virus in China in 2019, scientists with this variant, up from just two, a week ago. The
have tracked multiple mutations of the COVID-19 virus. The vast United States reported its first known case of the P1
majority of mutations have been minor and inconsequential. variant on 25 January 2021.
However, three variants detected in recent months with Although these variants have multiple mutations, the most
mutations have conferred them enhanced transmissibility, notable is on its spike protein - the part of the virus that
giving the virus a decisive new advantage. They are latches on to human cells and helps it spread. This makes
known as: the mutated versions potentially more infectious than
1. Variant B117. In September 2020, this strain was other strains and explains its accelerated wave of spread
first detected in southeastern England. According to to many countries. The emergence of the Brazilian P1
researchers from Imperial College London, as of 25 variant raises concerns that the virus may be developing
January 2021, it has spread to 70 countries across all an increased propensity for re-infecting individuals,
regions of the world, including Singapore and Malaysia. according to the United States Centre for Disease Control
It was responsible for more than 50 per cent of cases in and Prevention (CDC).
southeast England from October to December 2020.
2. Variant 501.V. This strain shares mutations with B117 The World Health Organisation (WHO) will continue working
and was detected in South Africa in October 2020. Up to with its network of global laboratories to further assess
90 per cent of new cases in the country are now carrying changes in transmissibility, severity or antibody neutralising
the mutant variant, according to health authorities. This activity of the variants, as such changes could potentially
variant was detected in 31 countries, including Malaysia. hamper the effectiveness of the growing number of
3. Variant P1. This variant was detected in early January COVID-19 vaccines.
What is the situation in Singapore? Will COVID-19 vaccines still work?
On 23 December 2020, Singapore reported its first case of the Presently, most scientists believe that the vaccines in
new coronavirus variant found in the United Kingdom (UK). development and a couple that have been approved should
The B117 strain was detected in a 17 year-old Singaporean provide protection against COVID-19 variants because
girl who had been studying in the UK since August 2020 and these vaccines elicit a broad immune response, a host of
arrived in Singapore on 8 December 2020. All of her close antibodies and cell-mediated immune responses.
contacts were placed on quarantine and tested negative at
the end of their quarantine period. There were also 11 other Vaccine producers such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna
individuals who were already in quarantine with preliminarily have undertaken studies to formally confirm this.
positive results for the new Singapore’s MOH will
strain. evaluate emerging data and
review Singapore’s vaccine
On 26 January 2021, strategy accordingly.
Singapore confirmed three
more cases of the B117 In addition, the messenger
variant. The Ministry of RNA (mRNA) technology
Health (MOH) reported that used in the Pfizer-BioNTech
whole genome sequencing and Moderna vaccine is
and phylogenetic analysis well-suited to adjustments
conducted by the National against new variants.
Public Health Laboratory The mRNA vaccine gives
revealed that the three cases instructions to our body to
tested positive for the B117 create a harmless protein
variant and could be linked. piece, known as the “spike
protein” on the virus.
Are the new This means that if a tweak
to the vaccine is needed, it
variants more will simply involve taking
dangerous? the mRNA sequence of the
Preliminary findings of the new emerging strain and
B117 strain indicate have placing it into the vaccine
found no change in disease without the need for
severity as measured by extensive trials.
length of hospitalisation
and fatality, or occurrence
of reinfection between
variant cases as compared
What is
to other COVID-19 strains Singapore doing
circulating in the United
to prevent the
Kingdom. Nonetheless, the
increased transmissibility importation
would inevitably translate to and spread
of COVID-19
a far higher incidence rate
placing significant pressure
on healthcare systems. variants into the
country?
Studies on the South African variant showed that it is Singapore has restricted entry and transit for all long-
associated with increased transmissibility (more efficient and term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent
rapid transmission). Currently, there is no evidence to suggest travel history to the UK and South Africa. As a further
that the variant has any impact on the severity of disease or precaution, from 18 January 2021, 2359 hours, until
vaccine efficacy. further notice, all returning Singapore citizens and
permanent residents from the UK and South Africa will be
Researchers have found that the Brazilian variant, which subject to an additional 7-day self-isolation at their place
contains three mutations in the spike protein receptor, has an of residence, following their 14-day Stay Home Notice
enhanced ability to re-infect people who previously contracted (SHN) at dedicated facilities. The returnees from the UK
COVID-19. This is due to the reduced ability of antibodies and South Africa will be tested at the end of their SHN (as
generated through a previous natural infection or through per the current requirement), and again after they have
vaccination to recognise and neutralise the virus. completed their 7-day self-isolation period.
Medical Services for COVID-19
The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused much disruption in our daily life and business operations. As Singaporeans, we all
have a role to play in the fight to prevent spread of COVID-19 and to protect our families, loved ones and colleagues.
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skipping the need to travel to a clinic. Call / SMS 8614 8292 to enquire about any of the following home-based services.
Home-Based FDW 6 Monthly Getting Your Vaccination Done At Home
Medical Examination (6ME) Influenza is a viral infection that causes high
Your foreign domestic worker is fever, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat
required to screen for pregnancy and cough. When an infected person coughs or
and infectious diseases every six sneezes, anyone who is in close proximity may
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