New strain of coronavirus reported in three European countries, says ECDC

COVID-19 CASES involving the novel coronavirus variant seen in Britain have been reported in at least three other countries in Europe, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said.

The Stockholm-based agency said in a “threat assessment” that while a preliminary analysis in the UK suggests the new variant is “significantly more transmissible”, there is no indication that the infections are more serious.

He said “timely efforts” are needed to prevent and control the spread of cases of the new variant.

The ECDC said that Iceland, Denmark and the Netherlands have already reported some cases with the new variant.

He also cited media reports on cases in Belgium and Italy.

The EU agency urged health authorities and laboratories to monitor the spread of the new variant and alert other EU countries to new cases.

He said studies are underway to assess what impact the new variant has on the risk of reinfections or the efficacy of vaccines.

The ECDC said earlier today that there is a lack of evidence on how bad the new variant of the coronavirus is.

He said the new strain has an estimated potential to increase reproductive 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.