B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant more transmissible but not linked to more severe illness, death

(HealthDay)—The B.1.1.7 variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not associated with more severe illness or death but leads to higher viral load and is associated with increased R1, according to two studies published online April 12 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and The Lancet Public Health.