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Scientists and politicians are concerned about a new variant of the coronavirus that is spreading in the south-east of England. And which, as it became known at night, was also found in Italy in a patient recently arrived from Great Britain.
His country faces a huge challenge, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday. Based on the researchers’ initial findings, the discovered variant is up to 70 percent more contagious than the previously known form. “It’s out of control and we have to get it back under control,” Hancock said.
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Due to the rapid spread of the new variant of the virus, a new closure with extensive curfews in London and other areas in the south-east of England from Sunday, including for Christmas. It cannot be ruled out that the stricter measures will have to remain in place for months before vaccination can be applied across the board, Hancock said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is in contact with London about the spread of the new variant of the virus. UK authorities would share the results of their analyzes and studies. “We will keep the public informed as soon as we learn more about the characteristics of this variant of the virus and its effects.”
At the same time, the WHO called on EU states to toughen their crown measures. “In Europe, where transmission is high and widespread, countries must intensify their control and prevention measures,” said a spokeswoman for WHO Europe.
The Netherlands was the first country to respond to alarming reports from Britain. Air passengers from the island can no longer enter, the Dutch government announced early Sunday. The Institute for Environment and Health (RIVM) recommended that the introduction of this strain of virus be limited as much as possible by restricting or controlling travel movements from the UK. On this basis, the cabinet decided to suspend air traffic. The ban applies until January 1.
“Incisive measure”
Also yesterday, Austria imposed a national ban on flights from Britain. “We have to do everything possible to prevent this dangerous mutation of the virus from coming to us,” said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (VP). “We have informed the UK that we must take this drastic step to protect our people. Other EU countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy, have taken similar measures. The mutation shows the great danger that this virus represents. “
The new mutation of the coronavirus
Reports of mutations in the coronavirus are not causing uncertainty for the first time. Now it is said that there are thousands of mutations. However, not all changes are imminent.
The VUI2020 / 12/01 variant of the virus – that’s what experts call the British one – is said to be up to 70 percent more contagious than the previously known form.
So far, according to official information, there has been no evidence that vaccines against this mutation are less effective. Nor was a higher mortality demonstrated.
The mutation was discovered when researchers investigated why the infection rate in south-east England and London did not drop significantly in the second lockdown in November. According to British information, 60 percent of new infections in London were caused by the new variant in December.
