British variant of COVID-19 not as severe as feared: Study

The word "COVID-19" is reflected in a drop on a syringe needle in this illustration taken November 9, 2020. Photo: REUTERS

LONDON: A highly contagious variant of COVID-19 first identified in Britain does not cause more severe disease in hospitalized patients, according to a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases on Monday.