UK COVID-19 variant present in 82 countries, South African strain in 39: WHO

The UK COVID-19 variant has now spread to 82 countries and the South African strain to nearly 40, Maria Van Kerkhove, COVID-19 Technical Lead of the World Health Orgzation (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme, said on Monday.

"The variant of concern that was identified first in the United Kingdom... [has been] identified in 82 countries," Van Kerkhove said during a Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual discussion. "The variant that was identified in South Africa has been identified in 39 countries."

The Brazilian strain of COVID-19 has spread to nine countries, Van Kerkhove added.

Earlier, the United States confirmed it has detected 471 variant cases of COVID-19. The US confirmed 467 cases of the UK variant, three of the South African strain, and one case of the Brazilian variant. (/Sputnik)

( With inputs from ANI )

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