With news about a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK, a doctor in Stratford is warning people that mutations are common, but this one is different.

Dr. Gary Blick, the chief medical officer and founder of Healthcare Advocates International in Stratford, says there is no evidence yet to suggest the new contagious mutation will mean an increase in severe illness or mortality, but warns it's a concern.

"A mutation occurred that made the virus a lot more virulent," says Dr. Blick. "And by that I mean it's about 70% more transmittable from person to person."

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While virulency is an issue, he says he's not worried about the mutation changing the efficacy of the vaccine.

"I think the take home message on this mutation would be that it's very interesting scientifically and medically, but the general population has nothing to fear with it at this point."

Dr. Blick reminds people to stay home and stay safe. He says 2021 will be a whole lot better if people follow the basic directions - wear a mask, wash your hands and keep socially distanced.