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A new subtype of the delta variant is spreading in the U.K., according to Business Insider.

What’s happening: Early data suggest the AY.4.2 variant is 10% more transmissible than the most prevalent delta variant in the U.K., which is called AY.4. However, cases of AY.4.2 are low outside the U.K.

• Another data point to consider: AY.4.2 is replacing the first delta variant at a far slower pace than delta took over from the alpha variant of the coronavirus.

A U.S. response: “Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, said that the new variant wasn’t an ‘immediate cause for concern,’ but called for ‘urgent research’ to work out if it was more infectious or able to avoid the body’s immune response.”

The context on variants: “The virus that causes COVID-19 gets about two new mutations per month, and there are now 56 delta descendants, according to Scripps University’s Outbreak.info, which includes data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before AY.4.2, [Public Health England] had tended to group delta and its descendants together.”

Our part: As public health experts continue to track and fight the rise of new variants, the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute have resources to help manufacturers get themselves and their employees fully vaccinated. Check out This Is Our Shot for more information