Certainly no-one is suggesting that it's more lethal or that the vaccines will be any less effective against it. What they are suggesting is that it's more readily transmissable. And that would suit the Johnson "government" because it would excuse their dreadful handling of the situation.
What there is, is correlation. There is a surge in cases in the south-east, and in some places most of the new cases are this particular variant. So there could be a causal link, but they don't actually know. So, apparently 62% of the new cases in London are the new variant. But, according to figures I saw, next door in Essex just 3% are the new variant. What to make of that? And, of course, the Johnson "government" is characterised by dishonesty - so I wouldn't rely on anything they say. I suspect a lot of politicians and experts have their eyes on the Public Enquiry that will take place when the catastrophe is over.
There is also a correlation between places under tighter restrictions and number of cases. Cases are down 75% here (still too high though) but we have been under tighter restrictions than the south-east for months. I believe that human behaviour drives the spread of the virus more than anything else.
Even though it's beginning to play merry hell with my mental health, we're going to keep on avoiding other humans until we're vaccinated.
And consider yourselves lucky... you get rid of diaperdon next month - we are stuck with Johnson for at least four moron years.
Have a different, but great, Christmas Hermetic & all DU readers. Stay safe!