The World Health Organization called on European countries to “tighten restrictions” in the context of the emergence of a new strain of the Corona virus spreading in Britain, according to its European affiliate. The world organization spoke of “preliminary indications that the infection of the strain may be greater”, as well as that “it may affect the effectiveness of some diagnostic methods.”“.
Outside of Britain, several cases of infection with the new strain were recorded, including nine in Denmark and one in both the Netherlands and Australia, according to the Health Organization, which recommended that member states “expand (their capabilities) to determine what is the new virus “.
This occurs at a time when many European countries decided today Sunday (December 20, 2020) to suspend flights from Great Britain after the discovery of this “out of control” strain.“. A spokeswoman for the organization’s European branch told France Press that the organization would provide more information “when it has a clearer view of the characteristics of this strain.”
The organization also said: “Across Europe, where the infection is widely and extensively transmitted, countries must double down on their restrictions and preventive measures.”
Meanwhile, Italy decided to join other European countries in suspending air travel with Great Britain as this new strain is spreading.
On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel discussed ways to deal with the new strain of Corona virus that is being spread. spreading in Britain.
These talks come when the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy announced the suspension of flights with Great Britain.
At the global level, the World Health Organization recommended that “all countries strengthen their capacities to identify SARS-Cove-2 virus strains when possible and share information internationally, especially if problematic mutations are identified.”
In addition to the countries in whose territory the British strain was detected, “several countries have informed the World Health Organization of the existence of other strains that include some genetic changes in the British strain.” And South Africa, which in turn detected a new strain on Friday, saw the mentioned mutation as a source of widespread infection. The organization noted that countries “are conducting additional research to better understand the relationship.”
MAM / AH (DPA, AFP)
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Wuhan: What does the city look like a year after the Corona virus outbreak?
Crowded markets
Wuhan has been isolated for about 11 weeks after becoming the world’s first Corona virus hotspot. As of mid-May, there were around 50,000 cases in the city alone, out of 80,000 official cases in China. However, life is almost back to “normal” in the city’s crowded street markets.
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Wuhan: What does the city look like a year after the Corona virus outbreak?
Dance in the streets
The residents were not allowed to leave their homes during the confinement, but now they can even dance together in the gardens. According to the Reuters news agency, the virus has not been transmitted locally for several months.
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Wuhan: What does the city look like a year after the Corona virus outbreak?
Scratch
All vegetables, fish and meat, and even wildlife, were sold in this wet market. But it closed its doors on January 1, after a mysterious lung disease began to spread, and its origin was traced to the market. Scientists have not yet been able to determine the exact role the aforementioned market played in the spread of the virus, or if it had actually played a role in this matter.
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Wuhan: What does the city look like a year after the Corona virus outbreak?
In the wind
Before the pandemic spread, Lai Yun used to find most of the produce for his Japanese restaurant in the covered market. “He used to send the children to school, have breakfast and then go to the market,” says the 38-year-old. But since it reopened in June, it has had to go elsewhere, and some of the components it needs now cost five times the price. “Our goal for next year is to survive,” he told DW.
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Wuhan: What does the city look like a year after the Corona virus outbreak?
Shortage of fresh produce
And although the wet market on the ground floor was still closed, the second floor had reopened. But most stores sell glasses and other specialty optician products. “Some people may feel a strange sensation, but now it’s just an empty building,” a saleswoman, who did not give her name, told DW.
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Wuhan: What does the city look like a year after the Corona virus outbreak?
peddlers
Since the market closed, some have started selling meat and other fresh produce on the streets. Even if the vendors here wear masks and gloves, some say the conditions don’t meet a certain standard of hygiene. In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the covered market has come under fire for its weak health and sanitation systems.
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Wuhan: What does the city look like a year after the Corona virus outbreak?
Unmasked Clown
Unlike the clown in the photo, most Wuhan residents wear masks in public places, especially since the threat of the Coronavirus still exists, as well as the emergence of several new cases in other parts of China. “A lot of people have started stocking up on masks, disinfectants and other protective equipment,” Yen, a 29-year-old English teacher, told DW. Uta Steinfer / WA
