[ad_1]
Two new coronavirus mutations are causing headaches for experts: A new variant recently appeared in Britain that is said to be 70 percent more contagious than the original virus. A second mutation is currently spreading in South Africa, causing the number of infections there to skyrocket.
After the British mutation was first detected in Switzerland last week, two people have now also contracted the variant from South Africa: one comes from the canton of Schwyz, the other is currently in France, according to the Federal Office of Public Health. (BAG) in Known on Sunday.
So far little is known about the “501.V2” variant from South Africa. Only the number of infections that exist today is higher than ever. On December 23, the South African government announced more than 14,000 cases.
Mutation often found in children
The mutation seems to affect younger people the most. South Africa pediatricians and hospitals are seeing a large increase in young Covid patients, local media reports.
The South African mutation has now reached Britain as well. There they are now doing intensive research on the variant, and they are concerned: “The South African variant has mutated even more than the one found here in Britain. We guess it’s even more contagious, ”British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Wednesday.
The infected person from the canton of Schwyz is isolated, reports the Federal Office of Public Health. Those in France are trying to reach them with the help of the French authorities.
Experts demand coordination: Is the blockade across Europe now approaching?(00:38)
Experts call for the blockade
The federal task force recommended stricter measures in response to the British mutation on Friday. Geneva scientist Isabella Eckerle, who spotted the mutation in Switzerland, is even calling for a blockade across Europe.
Due to mutations, there is currently an entry ban for tourists from Great Britain and South Africa. Anyone who has already entered the country from these countries must be retrospectively quarantined.
The return journey of British tourists who were stranded in Switzerland and should have been quarantined instead of skiing began during the Christmas period. Two planes took off from Zurich on Thursday morning for London Heathrow. Other flights followed, also from Geneva.
