Is coronavirus really spreading faster than usual in Victoria?

A row has broken out over claims the SARS-CoV-2 variant spreading in Melbourne poses a greater threat than previous outbreaks
Professor Tony Blakely
Professor Tony Blakely.

Epidemiologists are divided over claims the coronavirus variant that has triggered Victoria’s fourth lockdown is more infectious than previous strains.

With cases climbing to 63, health officials are pointing to evidence that the Kappa variant (see box, below) is as transmissible as the Alpha variant that wreaked havoc in the UK.