COVID-19 variants cases have already been found in all provinces, causing outbreaks in long-term care homes and derailing election plans in Newfoundland and Labrador. Genetic mutations often occur in viruses, and SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is no exception. When the changes are significant, the new mutated form is called a variant. A variant would be of concern if it impacts the spread or severity of the disease, as well as if it has a different response to tests or vaccines and treatments, according to Health Canada. So far all three variants of concern that have spread globally have also been found in Canada. Here’s a look at these variants. The UK Variant The UK variant, also known as B.1.1.7, was first detected in late September in the UK, and spread to thousands of people in the UK by year-end. Canada’s first cases of this variant were found in …