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Professor and Infectious Diseases Committee member Charalambos Gogos spoke to SKAI about the new mutated strain of the coronavirus that was initially detected in Britain and apparently appears in other countries as well.
As worrisome as this mutation, which has occurred on a large scale in the UK, is epidemiologically linked to increased transmissibility of the virus. It also increases the speed of dispersal. However, more information about this mutation is awaited to know if it is dangerous and how dangerous, as explained by the professor.
“We have seen some mutations in the genes that code for the production of proteins that make protein S, with which the virus attaches itself to cells. If these mutations facilitate attachment, they increase transmissibility. “But we don’t know if it facilitates other intracellular procedures that aggravate the disease,” Gogos said.
“We have already seen several mutations from the beginning and they did not cause any problems. We don’t have data for this yet. “Until we have the data, we have to be careful.”
The professor then said that tomorrow, Monday, the Infectious Diseases Committee will meet to learn the data it has on the mutation.
“With the data we have so far, the extent of flight delays and border closures is considerable,” he said.
Problems that can arise from the virus mutation:
– The virus becomes more contagious
– To become more toxic
– Do not show in tests
– Be reinfected by the mutated virus.
Relative to the vaccinations, Mr. Gogos explained that they target many proteins, so they will probably also act against the mutation.
“We will soon have data on its antigenicity, spread and severity of the disease.”
Regarding the overcrowding images that were observed, the professor said that a bell should be rung over and over again to avoid overcrowding.
Finally, Mr. Gogos on the possibility of lifting the lockdown on January 7 said that there is a reduction in cases, however, the pressure on the health system remains. If all goes well, we will see the opening along the way. It all depends on the epidemiological data.
He also stressed that for schools it is planned to open first primary schools and then secondary schools and high schools. “Let’s not move on,” he said.
Source: skai.gr
