Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve become accustomed to new variants of the virus emerging as it mutates and spreads. But last month, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the BA.2.86 – since been named Pirola – has made its way to the UK and NHS officials have labelled it the “most concerning variant” since Omicron. It appears, say scientists, to carry a high number of 'mutations' in its spike protein so they're watching it carefully to see if it manages to evade the immune system.
