There is widespread concern that some new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, appear to be more infectious that previous strains of the virus. Multiple variants of the virus have been documented globally during this pandemic, but scientists say that new variants identified in both the United Kingdom and South Africa appear to spread faster and are 40 to 70 percent more transmissible.

This guidance explains the science behind the variants and how to report on them.

The guidance is available in Arabic, Dari, English, French, Pashto, and Spanish.