Experts from Britain’s Centre for Infectious Disease Mathematical Modelling reported that a new mutation of the coronavirus found in the United Kingdom was 56% more infectious than previous variants. It does not result in more severe disease, but it can lead to more hospitalizations and deaths.

During the study of the new mutation, scientists created a mathematical model comparing the two types of virus. The result showed that if the new strain spreads, the number of occupied hospital beds and the number of deaths will increase. According to experts, in 2021 the incidence of coronavirus will be much higher than in 2020.

Experts also noted that the British authorities have not adopted enough restrictions to curb the spread of the new strain – the incidence of the disease will not decrease without closing schools and universities.