I have noticed signs being placed in Wokingham, the heading being "Don't Risk it" specifically stating, "The new strain of coronavirus is easier to catch and easier to pass on".

1. I want to know, what scientific evidence you have in order to make these claims?
The new strain of coronavirus is easier to catch and easier to pass on. This refers to the Covid variant known in the UK as VOC-20DEC-01, informally known as the Kent variant. The changes in this variant of the Covid virus have resulted in the virus becoming about 50% more infectious and spreading more easily between people.

Evidence from across the winter has shown that the infection rate in geographical areas where this particular variant was circulating increased faster than expected despite control measures being in place, and the modelling of cases over time has demonstrated that this variant has a higher transmission rate than other variants in current circulation. This evidence has been published in scientific reports, Public Health England briefings and SAGE reports.

With more variants emerging through 2021 the reference to the new strain is being removed. The new signs will read: ‘Don’t risk it. Let’s keep going and slow the spread of Covid-19. Play your part. Stick to the rules. Protect our communities.’