Variants: distribution of case data, 3 June 2021
Updated 24 June 2022
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Variants of concern or under investigation: data up to 2 June 2021
Surveillance overview
UK total distribution
| Variant* | Other names by which this variant may be known** | Lineage | Country in which first detected | Total confirmed cases^ | New cases since last update (data up to 26 May) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha (VOC-20DEC-01) | VOC-202012/01 Alpha | B.1.1.7 | England, UK | 258,788 | +3,720 |
| Beta (VOC-20DEC-02) | VOC-202012/02 Beta | 501Y.V2 B.1.351 | South Africa | 952 | +16 |
| Zeta (VUI-21JAN-01) | VUI-202101/01 Zeta | P.2 | Brazil | 60 | 0 |
| Gamma (VOC-21JAN-02) | VOC-202101/02 Gamma | P.1 | Japan ex Manaus, Brazil | 169 | +5 |
| VUI-21FEB-01 | VUI-202102/01 | A.23.1 with E484K | England, UK | 79 | 0 |
| VOC-21FEB-02 | VOC-202102/02 | B.1.1.7 with E484K | England, UK | 43 | 0 |
| Eta (VUI-21FEB-03) | VUI-202102/03 Eta | B.1.525 (previously designated UK1188) | England, UK | 489 | +7 |
| VUI-21FEB-04 | VUI 202102/04 | B.1.1.318 | England, UK | 273 | +15 |
| Theta (VUI-21MAR-02) | Theta | P.3 | Philippines | 7 | +1 |
| Kappa (VUI-21APR-01) | Kappa | B.1.617 | India | 459 | +9 |
| Delta (VOC-21APR-02) | Delta | B.1.617.2 | India | 12,431 | +5,472 |
| VUI-21APR-03 | N/A | B.1.617.3 | India | 14 | -1 |
| VUI-21MAY-01 | N/A | AV.1 | TBC | 125 | +24 |
| VUI-21MAY-02 | N/A | C.36.3 | Thailand ex Egypt | 122 | +13 |
| *Information pertaining to VUI-21MAR-01, B1.324.1 with E484K has been removed as this variant has been reclassified as provisionally extinct. |
| **On 31 May 2021, WHO recommended a new SARS-CoV-2 variants nomenclature system for VUIs and VOCs using the Greek alphabet for non-scientific audiences. PHE has incorporated this system as practicable to allow for designation of VUIs and VOCs prior to WHO classification. Not all variants designated VUI or VOC status by PHE have been assigned WHO labels. |
| ^Genomically confirmed cases are those where all lineage defining positions can be assessed. Probable cases are those where the sequencing is of a lower quality and not all lineage defining positions are called. Full case definitions. |
| Confirmed and probable genomic confidence categories assigned to each case have been unified into a single confirmed category. This is being done as a probable genomic confidence indicates a high confidence in variant assignment and the public health significance is the same. |
The Alpha VOC-20DEC-01 variant was first detected in the UK and was first sequenced in the UK in September 2020.
The Beta VOC-20DEC-02 variant was first detected in South Africa and was first sequenced in the UK in December 2020.
The Zeta VUI-21JAN-01 variant was first detected in Brazil and was first sequenced in the UK in November 2020.
The Gamma VOC-21JAN-02 variant was first detected in Japan in travellers from Brazil in January 2021 and was first detected in the UK in February 2021.
The VUI-21FEB-01 variant was first detected in the UK in December 2020.
The VOC-21FEB-02 variant was first detected in the UK in December 2020.
The Eta VUI-21FEB-03 variant was first detected in the UK in December 2020.
The VUI-21FEB-04 variant was first detected in the UK (England).
The Theta VUI-21MAR-02 variant was first detected in the Philippines.
The Kappa VUI-21APR-01 variant was first detected in India.
The Delta VOC-21APR-02 variant was first detected in India.
The VUI-21APR-03 variant was first detected in India.
The VUI-21MAY-01 variant’s location of first detection is to be confirmed.
The VUI-21MAY-02 variant was first detected in Thailand in travellers from Egypt.
Differences between a Variant of Concern and a Variant Under Investigation
SARS-CoV-2 variants, if considered to have concerning epidemiological, immunological or pathogenic properties, are raised for formal investigation. At this point they are designated Variant Under Investigation (VUI) with a year, month, and number. Following a risk assessment with the relevant expert committee, they may be designated Variant of Concern (VOC).
Changes in nomenclature
The previous variant names frequently include similar numbers with similar or repeating patterns. This makes referring to them verbally challenging. To overcome this challenge, a revised nomenclature has been agreed involving dropping the first 2 numbers of the year and replacing the 2-month numbers with a 3-letter abbreviation. This shortens the name and reduces the degree of repeated sequences of numbers. The table containing surveillance overview ‘UK total distribution’ contains a list of new variant names alongside previous or other names in use for VOCs and VUIs.
Alpha VOC-20DEC-01
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in the UK and was first sequenced in the UK in September 2020.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 213,878 |
| Northern Ireland | 6,220 |
| Scotland | 26,021 |
| Wales | 12,669 |
| Total cases | 258,788 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with at least 5 VOC-20DEC-01 lineage defining positions are called as alternate (variant) base and all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases. |
| Low-quality genome (LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where fewer than 4 lineage defining positions are called as alternate (variant) base and all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases. |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
Beta VOC-20DEC-02
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in South Africa and was first sequenced in the UK in December 2020.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 849 |
| Northern Ireland | 9 |
| Scotland | 54 |
| Wales | 40 |
| Total cases | 952 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • at least 4 Beta VOC-20DEC-02 lineage defining positions are called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases or • at least 5 of the 9 non-synonymous changes |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 4 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases or • at least one but fewer than 5 of the 9 non-synonymous changes, and • fewer than 5 wild type calls |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
Zeta VUI-21JAN-01
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in Brazil and was first sequenced in the UK in November 2020.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 54 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 5 |
| Wales | 1 |
| Total cases | 60 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* case confirmed as infected with Zeta VUI-21JAN-01 through whole genome sequencing (WGS) where: • results of all lineage defining non-synonymous changes called as alternate base or • 6 of 7 non-synonymous changes called as alternate base, and • remaining position either N or mixed bases |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where fewer than 6 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base and all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
Gamma VOC-21JAN-02
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in Japan in travellers from Brazil in January 2021 and was first detected in the UK in February 2021.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 152 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 15 |
| Wales | 2 |
| Total cases | 169 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 5 lineage defining non-synonymous changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed bases |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 5 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
VUI-21FEB-01
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in the UK in December 2020.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 79 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 0 |
| Wales | 0 |
| Total cases | 79 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 5 lineage defining non-synonymous changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base or • at least 5 of the 9 non-synonymous changes |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 5 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
VOC-21FEB-02
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in the UK in December 2020.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 43 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 0 |
| Wales | 0 |
| Total cases | 43 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* case confirmed as infected with VOC-21FEB-02 through WGS where results of all lineage defining non-synonymous changes called as alternate bases. |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where • probable or confirmed VOC-20DEC-01, and • fewer than 4 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
Eta VUI-21FEB-03
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in the UK in December 2020.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 437 |
| Northern Ireland | 2 |
| Scotland | 40 |
| Wales | 10 |
| Total cases | 489 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 5 lineage defining non-synonymous changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 5 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
VUI-21FEB-04
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in the UK (England).
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 245 |
| Northern Ireland | 17 |
| Scotland | 11 |
| Wales | 0 |
| Total cases | 273 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 5 lineage defining non-synonymous changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base or • at least 5 of the 9 non-synonymous changes |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 5 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
Theta VUI-21MAR-02
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in the Philippines.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 7 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 0 |
| Wales | 0 |
| Total cases | 7 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 7 variant defining changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 7 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate base, and • all other positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
Kappa VUI-21APR-01
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in India.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 416 |
| Northern Ireland | 1 |
| Scotland | 27 |
| Wales | 15 |
| Total cases | 459 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 5 variant defining changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 5 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate base, and • all other defining positions reported as N or mixed base |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
Delta VOC-21APR-02
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in India.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 10,797 |
| Northern Ireland | 26 |
| Scotland | 1,511 |
| Wales | 97 |
| Total cases | 12,431 |
Cases by LTLA
VOC-21APR-02 cases by lower-tier local authority.
It has not been possible to link a small number of cases to a particular local authority. This means that there may be a discrepancy between the total numbers of cases in this breakdown and the national total above.
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 8 variant defining changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 8 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
VUI-21APR-03
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant was first detected in India.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 13 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 0 |
| Wales | 1 |
| Total cases | 14 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 8 variant defining changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 8 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
VUI-21MAY-01
Surveillance overview
UK distribution – summary of 4 nations distribution
This variant’s location of first detection is to be confirmed.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 125 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 0 |
| Wales | 0 |
| Total cases | 125 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 7 variant defining changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 7 variant defining changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |
VUI-21MAY-02
Surveillance overview
This variant was first detected in Thailand in travellers from Egypt.
| Total confirmed cases | |
|---|---|
| England | 118 |
| Northern Ireland | 0 |
| Scotland | 0 |
| Wales | 4 |
| Total cases | 122 |
Case definitions
| Genomic match | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | COVID-19* confirmed case with: • at least 5 variant defining changes called as alternate base, and • all other positions either N or mixed base |
| High-risk low-quality genome (HR-LQG) | COVID-19* confirmed case where: • fewer than 5 positions are called but at least one is called as alternate (variant) base, and • all other defining positions reported as N (unknown) or mixed bases |
| *A confirmed COVID-19 case: an individual who is confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |