Sequencing samples of the virus helps scientists detect new strains, which can inform policy. AFP
Sequencing samples of the virus helps scientists detect new strains, which can inform policy. AFP
Sequencing samples of the virus helps scientists detect new strains, which can inform policy. AFP
Sequencing samples of the virus helps scientists detect new strains, which can inform policy. AFP

Coronavirus explained: Why experts say more countries need to search for new Covid-19 mutations


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

In late November, scientists in the UK detected a troubling new Covid-19 variant.

Growth of the strain, which had been circulating at “very low levels” until two weeks previously, was on the turn.

And it was about to explode across the south-east of the country.

The variant first came to light when experts were investigating why infection rates in Kent were not falling, despite severe restrictions being in place.

Genetic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 samples in the area revealed a cluster of the B117 strain, which came to be known as the Kent variant, spreading rapidly into London and beyond.

Tests showed the variant first emerged in late September.

At the end of October the strain accounted for only 3 per cent of cases in England.

But by the start of February the share had soared to 96 per cent.

The UK discovered the strain due to prolific genomic sequencing of the coronavirus.

It is eighth in a list of the world’s top sequencers, led by countries with much smaller caseloads.

The UK has analysed 7.4 per cent of its two million-plus cases –157,439 cases – according to the Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium.

Experts have said other countries need to catch up.

The National explains why.

Sars-CoV-2 virus, yellow, which caused the Covid-19 pandemic, is seen emerging from the surface of cells, rendered in blue and pink.
Sars-CoV-2 virus, yellow, which caused the Covid-19 pandemic, is seen emerging from the surface of cells, rendered in blue and pink.

What is the benefit of sequencing the genome of coronavirus cases?

There are several.

All viruses change and by tracing mutations over time scientists can work out their impact.

Sequencing traces these changes, mapping the lineage, transmission and the rate of evolution of the virus, stated a report by McKinsey & Company.

“In the case of New York City’s initial outbreak in March 2020, once epidemiologists identified the probable date of introduction and the strain, public health leaders were able to estimate how many people in the area were infected.

“Such information is vital to support effective response,” it said.

In the UK, research has since confirmed what scientists already suspected – the B117 strain discovered in the UK is significantly more transmissible.

But by discovering the presence of the new variant, the government was able to quickly contain it by imposing another strict lockdown, which eventually brought the growth in new cases under control.

The more infectious B117 variant of coronavirus is between 30 per cent and 100 per cent more deadly, study says. Getty
The more infectious B117 variant of coronavirus is between 30 per cent and 100 per cent more deadly, study says. Getty

How many strains are there of SARS-CoV-2?

There are several known strains, and they will continue to emerge over time.

The virus acquires about two mutations per month. Most of them are useless to SARS-CoV-2, but they sometimes assist the virus by enabling it to spread more easily, for example.

A few of the strains emerging include the same mutations, which is a sign they benefit the virus in some way.

For example, a number now share the E484K mutation in the spike protein, dubbed “eek” by some scientists.

The mutation is known to reduce the protection offered by vaccines and previous infection by “substantially” increasing the amount of serum antibody needed to prevent the infection of cells, according to research by the University of Cambridge.

It was first identified in a variant that appeared in South Africa.

But it has since been detected in the P1 Brazilian strain, which is responsible for a second massive surge in the rainforest city of Manaus, along with some Kent variant samples.

Last week, it was revealed 70 per cent of Covid-19 patients tested at a hospital in Tokyo also carried the E484K mutation.

How many countries sequence cases?

More don’t than do.

Australia is the world’s top sequencer. It tests more than half of samples, according to the GISAID Initiative, which provides a global database of coronavirus genomes. But the country has recorded a relatively small number in total, because it has not had many Covid-19 cases.

The UK is by far the biggest sequencer, testing about 8 per cent of samples from its considerable caseload. That represents 45 per cent of the world’s sequences, according to McKinsey & Company.

Some countries, such as the US, sequence less than half a per cent of cases. And many have no sequencing capacity at all.

According to research, mutations can reduce the protection offered by vaccines and previous infection by ‘substantially’ increasing the amount of serum antibodies needed to prevent the infection of cells. Reuters
According to research, mutations can reduce the protection offered by vaccines and previous infection by ‘substantially’ increasing the amount of serum antibodies needed to prevent the infection of cells. Reuters

Does the UAE sequence samples?

Yes. The country has not revealed what percentage of samples it sequences, but Dr Farida Al Hosani, a federal health spokeswoman, said the mutations circulating in the Emirates are monitored.

“Since the beginning of the global announcement of new strains, the UAE has been following up on changes and developments in the virus, and a national team was formed to study the tracking of mutated strains in co-operation with all health authorities,” she said.

“The team analyses the situation periodically and reviews recommendations in this regard.”

G42 Healthcare, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Group 42, said it has conducted a SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing study that identified the genomic source of the pandemic.

The viral genome sequencing was performed on 1,067 nasopharyngeal swab samples collected in Abu Dhabi between May and June 2020.

The analysis revealed unique genetic variations specific to the UAE virus strains, and the patterns of the virus’s introduction, the company said.

Coronavirus: latest pictures from around the world

  • A woman walks down a street in Sao Paulo, Brazil after the city ended 10 days of lockdown. EPA
    A woman walks down a street in Sao Paulo, Brazil after the city ended 10 days of lockdown. EPA
  • UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference on the pandemic in London. Reuters
    UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference on the pandemic in London. Reuters
  • Medical personnel vaccinate older adults in the city of Leon, Guanajuato state, Mexico. EPA
    Medical personnel vaccinate older adults in the city of Leon, Guanajuato state, Mexico. EPA
  • A person wearing a mask walks during quarantine in Santiago, Chile. The country will close its international borders and cancel flights during April after passing one million reported cases of Covid-19. Getty
    A person wearing a mask walks during quarantine in Santiago, Chile. The country will close its international borders and cancel flights during April after passing one million reported cases of Covid-19. Getty
  • Commuters wearing protective masks make their way in Tokyo, Japan. Reuters
    Commuters wearing protective masks make their way in Tokyo, Japan. Reuters
  • An official checks the temperature of a voter as part of precautions against the coronavirus as he arrives to cast his vote in the Tamil Nadu state assembly elections in Chennai, India. AP Photo
    An official checks the temperature of a voter as part of precautions against the coronavirus as he arrives to cast his vote in the Tamil Nadu state assembly elections in Chennai, India. AP Photo
  • A worker sprays seats in the Seattle Mariners' dugout as a precaution against Covid-19 before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in the US. AP Photo
    A worker sprays seats in the Seattle Mariners' dugout as a precaution against Covid-19 before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in the US. AP Photo
  • People queue for vaccinations in Artesia, California. Reuters
    People queue for vaccinations in Artesia, California. Reuters
  • A Covid-19 sign hangs in the concourse of Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers' home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, in Arlington, Texas. AP
    A Covid-19 sign hangs in the concourse of Globe Life Field before the Texas Rangers' home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, in Arlington, Texas. AP
  • A woman receives a one-shot dose of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine at a clinic in Riverside, California. AFP
    A woman receives a one-shot dose of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine at a clinic in Riverside, California. AFP
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15

New Zealand 15
Tries: Laumape, J Barrett
Conversions: B Barrett
Penalties: B Barrett

British & Irish Lions 15
Penalties: Farrell (4), Daly

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

'The Batman'

Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

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Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
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Election pledges on migration

CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections" 

SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom" 

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):

Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Match will be shown on BeIN Sports

Biography

Her family: She has four sons, aged 29, 27, 25 and 24 and is a grandmother-of-nine

Favourite book: Flashes of Thought by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Favourite drink: Water

Her hobbies: Reading and volunteer work

Favourite music: Classical music

Her motto: I don't wait, I initiate

 

 

 

 

 

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Quentin%20Tarantino%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Uma%20Thurman%2C%20David%20Carradine%20and%20Michael%20Madsen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

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Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

The BIO

Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.

Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.

Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.

Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.

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Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)