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Irish family doctors have been told to be on the alert for possible cases of a new strain of Covid-19 linked to mink in Denmark.
The circular was issued today by the Irish College of General Practitioners and follows the cases of Covid-19 diagnosed in Denmark that show a mutation of the virus that spreads from animals to humans.
Six countries have reported cases of this Covid-19 strain, which is not believed to be more virulent than the current strain, but could affect the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines.
The circular to Irish GPs states that “our colleagues in public health have requested the circulation of this HPSC update relating to people traveling from Denmark and the risk of introducing a new strain of coronavirus.
The 14 days of restricted circulation are essential to avoid the introduction of this strain in Ireland.
The briefing note from Dr. John Cuddihy, Acting Director of HPSC, is sent to all physicians in Ireland regarding the SARS-CoV-2 viral mutation identified in minks at five Danish mink farms and observed in viral isolates from 12 people living in the surrounding areas in Denmark.
“All physicians are asked to increase awareness of the possibility of COVID-19 in people who have traveled from Denmark in the last 14 days.
“Advise the person to isolate themselves and arrange for COVID-19 testing if they have any symptoms that suggest COVID-19.
“A low threshold is recommended for testing.”
He said that COVID-19 infection prevention and control precautions must be strictly adhered to when dealing with those who have returned from Denmark in the previous 14 days.
Individuals should not seek routine elective, outpatient or primary care treatment while in their 14 days of isolation after returning from Denmark.
Primary and secondary care organizations must assess that a person has returned from Denmark and delay elective and non-urgent treatment.
Online editors
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