What will these new variants actually mean?

[november90]

I've heard all sort of scare monger info over the media about this SA variant in the UK... what does it actually mean. Are we effectively back to square one if the vaccines don't work against them?

For me it's like pregnancy scans.

20 week scan:
"Ooh we think we see a problem. We need to scan you again. It could mean X or Y or Z."
2 weeks later
"Hmmm, it might mean X or Y! But we can rule out Z. Still not sure about A, B C..."
4 weeks later
"Hmmm, probably not X or B. A isn't really something to worry about. But C & Z..."
4 weeks later.
"Not worried about Y or A any more. But now we're wondering about D or F."
2 weeks later.
"Acrtually, we'll have to scan you after birth to be sure."
Baby born & scanned...
"Neah, everything's fine. Nothing wrong at all."

Must be dozens of interesting covid variants out 'there' now.

You're very right! It's just so stressful. I can't work out what I need to worry about or what is just tactical reporting! :(