The UK variant of the coronavirus, known as B.1.1.7, appears to be between 30 percent and 100 percent more deadly than other forms of the virus, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. This B.1.1.7 variant was first detected in Great Britain in September. Since then, it has been identified in more than 100 countries. Exactly why this UK variant present a higher death rate from COVID-19 is unclear. It could be related to both higher levels of virus replication as well as an enhanced ability to spread rapidly. With case numbers falling across the United States, this variant will be one to keep an eye on.