20 strains of coronavirus have already been recorded in Lithuania: is the third wave threatening?

According to Edita Sužiedėlienė, a professor at Vilnius University (VU), the world’s most worrisome coronavirus strains are currently known as the British variant, the South African and South American variant, or the Brazilian variant.

There is no data of these varieties spreading in Lithuania, but we cannot rule out what the professor says.

“We cannot say this firmly (that the variety has not yet entered Lithuania – Delfi) because we did not do enough genomic research on virus isolates,” he said on the “Delfi diena” program.

According to her, in Lithuania, such research is carried out only 0.6 percent. of all positive tests. This is one of the worst indicators in Europe. The goal would be 5-10%. – in this case, new options could be detected in time and preventive measures taken to prevent their spread.

The professor points out that in some countries where the mutated virus has spread, there is a sudden increase in cases, with 50-70% of cases. faster spread.

“It seems that they are related to the indications of the so-called third wave,” said E. Sužiedėlienė.

However, he stressed that so far there is no evidence that these strains can change the effectiveness of vaccines.

“Now we have a light at the end of the tunnel: people have been vaccinated, more will be registered in the near future, we will have 3-4.” If herd immunity is to be achieved soon, the concern about the spread should decrease ”, explained the professor.

True, he noted, until herd immunity is achieved, these coronavirus strains need to be monitored very closely.

“They can only make quarantine measures partially effective. Then we can talk about the return and the intensification of the pandemic ”, said E. Sužiedėlienė on the program“ Delfi diena ”.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the British strain of coronavirus is already widespread in 60 countries around the world, and the strain found in South Africa in 23.