ECDC says evidence lacking on severity of new virus strain

There is a lack of evidence on how bad the new variant of the coronavirus is, or how prevalent it is outside the UK, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

However, the ECDC added that the new strain has an estimated potential to increase the breeding number (R) by 0.4 or more, and is estimated to be 70% more transmissible than previous strains.

Several European countries, including Ireland, have suspended travel from the UK in an effort to stop the spread of the new strain of the virus.

The restrictions took effect in Ireland at midnight and will remain in effect for an initial period of 48 hours before being reviewed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the new fast-moving variant of the virus is believed to be behind a recent spike in cases in the UK.

In an assessment of the threat of the new strain, the ECDC said: “There is no indication at this time of an increased severity of the infection associated with the new variant.

“While viruses are known and expected to constantly change through mutations that lead to the emergence of new variants, preliminary analysis in the UK suggests that this variant is significantly more transmissible than previously circulating variants.”

The ECDC stated that the new variant has “emerged at a time of year in which the family and social mix has traditionally increased.”

“At this time, there is no indication of an increased severity of the infection associated with the new variant.

“To date, Denmark and the Netherlands have reported some cases with the new variant and, according to media reports, in Belgium,” the ECDC noted.

I need to control the spread

As there is “currently a lack of evidence to indicate the extent to which the new variant of the virus is spreading outside the UK, timely efforts are needed to prevent and control its spread,” noted the statement, which includes the following:

• Public health authorities and laboratories are urged to analyze and sequence virus isolates in a timely manner to identify cases of the new variant.
• If cases infected with this new variant or other new variants of possible concern are identified, countries should notify through the European Union’s Early Warning and Response System.
• The importance of strict adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions in accordance with national policies must be communicated to the public, in particular guidance on how to avoid non-essential travel and social activities.
• Suspected cases of reinfection by Covid-19 must be monitored and studied.
• With the implementation of vaccination, close monitoring of people vaccinated with Covid-19 must be ensured to identify possible vaccination failures and progressive infections.