Steve is right in that scientists were not happy when the PM announced that it was more deadly. It was a small amount of data and only suggested that it 'might' be more deadly - but also it 'might' not be.

Certainly doesn't seem to be showing so here in Scotland. Hospitalisation and infections in general are increased from the initial spring first wave of the pandemic. However the figures for those in intensive care here are less than they were in the first wave. The new variant is endemic here and does not appear to be causing more of the evry serious illnesses than before!!! Though of course they are also better at treating the condition now than they were initially.