The Beta variant of coronavirus spreading in France poses a “threat” to other countries, with evidence suggesting it may evade the effect of vaccines, a scientist involved in advising the British government has warned.
Professor John Edmunds, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a member of the UK government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said he could understand concerns over the variant that have led to last-minute travel rule changes.
It was announced on Friday evening that holidaymakers returning from France to the UK must continue to quarantine – even if they are double jabbed – when restrictions on other countries are eased.
UK ministers said the move was a precautionary measure due to concerns over the “persistent presence” of the Beta variant in the country.
Prof Edmunds told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme: “The Beta variant has remained a threat throughout. It is probably less infectious than the Delta variant that is spreading here in the UK at the moment. Where it has an advantage is that it is able to escape the immune response to a better extent.”
He added: “As the population here becomes more and more immune, the conditions are right then for the Beta variant to get an advantage, so I can understand the concern.
“Of the variants that are out there and are known about, that one has always been a threat to us. There is some good evidence from South Africa that it can evade the immune response generated by the AstraZeneca vaccine more efficiently.”
The AstraZeneca jab is among the approved vaccines administered to millions of people in Ireland and the UK in recent months.
From Monday, travellers returning to England from countries on its “amber list”, except France, will not need to quarantine on arrival if they have been double vaccinated or are under the age of 18.
