CLEAN : RAW-BRITAIN-HEALTH-VIRUS-SAFRICA-VARIANT'Very likely' new variant much more transmissible than Delta: Covid-19 e

The transcript discusses a new variant of a virus with an unusual mutation jump, combining mutations seen in previous variants of concern. It highlights the rapid spread of this variant in South Africa, displacing the delta variant, and suggests it is more transmissible. The speed at which South African scientists characterized the variant is noted, providing the world time to adapt. The transcript also touches on the challenges of predicting the virus's evolution due to its young age in the human population.

What concerns are raised about the specific nature of the mutations observed?

Why is it critical to understand the evolution of this virus according to the text?