The new strain of the CCP virus that emerged in the UK spreads over 50 percent faster and could make up nine out of 10 cases in the southeast of England by mid-January, according to a preliminary study. The study (pdf), by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, used mathematical modeling to project the spread of the new strain in the southeast quarter of the country where it is already beginning to dominate. “We estimate the transmission rate of this variant is 50-74 percent higher than existing variants,” said study author Dr. Nick Davies. Echoing comments made by government scientists, he said that the study provided “no clear evidence it leads to higher rates of hospitalisation or death.” However, the study concluded that the higher transmission was likely to ultimately push up the number of cases and drive hospitalisations and deaths beyond the levels of 2020. “Without effective …