At least six mutant strains of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is now being monitored and investigated by the Public Health England (PHE).
Scientists are studying if they are more transmissible and the rate at which they spread, as well as their immunity to vaccines.
Here are the six variants listed so far.
Variant 1
What scientists call as the Alpha strain, first detected in Wuhan, China, before spreading all across the world.
Variant 2
The Brazil strain, carrying the so-called E484K mutation, which scientists say has been shown to reduce vaccine protection.
It was discovered by Japanese scientists from samples taken from four travelers from the South American country.
A total of 18 cases have been reported in the UK.
Variant 3
The South African strain is currently under investigation in areas of England.
This strain carries both the E484K mutation and N501Y mutation, also making it more contagious.
Eight postcode areas of England have been found with this variant. These cases were not linked to travel which means it may be spreading locally.
Variant 4
The first sample of the Kent variant was discovered in a person who lived near Canterbury in September, according to scientists.
The variant has ripped through the UK ever since, as it carries the N501Y mutation which means it is more contagious.
The government has blamed the so-called Kent variant for the huge surge in cases after the November lockdown was lifted.
Variant 5
There were 11 cases in the Bristol area that have been identified as the highly contagious variant that originally came from Kent but are now showing the E484K mutation.
This combination of the mutations could mean the variant is both more contagious and shown to be less effective against vaccines.
Variant 6
There’s also a cluster of 32 cases recorded in Liverpool that have the E484K mutation but relate to the original strain of coronavirus.
Regional PHE officials said this was detected in Liverpool last month as part of cases among staff at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
A cluster of an initial five cases was detected on January 10 among some staff who had attended an event outside the hospital, believed to be a funeral
Will vaccines really be ineffective against these new mutant strains?
Laboratory studies suggest vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNtech could work against variants, while variant checks against the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine are ongoing.
