UK detects South African coronavirus variant in 11 people across country with no travel links

As many as 11 people in different regions of England have tested positive for the South African coronavirus variant without having any links to people who have travelled.

Scientists have said the variant appears to be more transmissible, but there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease.

However, several laboratory studies have found that it reduces vaccine and antibody therapy efficacy.

The new infections have prompted mass testing in the eight affected areas in an attempt to…