Patrick Vallance speaks at COVID-19 press briefing

The video discusses the increase in hospital admissions in England, particularly in December, due to COVID-19. It highlights the rapid rise in case rates in Tier 4 areas, including London and the Southeast, and the impact of lockdowns. The video also covers the new COVID-19 variant, which has 23 mutations affecting the virus's protein and binding capabilities.

What trend was observed in hospital admissions in the East of England and the Southeast from September to December?

• A decrease followed by a plateau

• A decrease in admissions

• A gradual increase followed by a sharp rise in December

• A constant rate of admissions

Which areas were moved into Tier 4 due to a rapid increase in case rates?

• The North of England

• Scotland

• The West Midlands

• London, the Southeast, and the East

How did the case rate in England change during the lockdown period?

• It increased steadily

• It remained constant

• It decreased continuously

• It decreased and then increased again

What is notable about the new variant of the virus?

• It has fewer changes than usual

• It does not affect the protein of the virus

• It has 23 changes, many affecting the virus's protein

• It is less contagious

What is one of the functions affected by the changes in the new variant?

• The virus's size

• The virus's ability to bind and enter cells

• The virus's ability to replicate

• The virus's color