New strain of coronavirus has already been detected in eight European countries – Telam

UK health authorities have confirmed the presence in southern UK of a new strain of coronavirus

The new strain of coronavirus, the discovery of which was confirmed less than a week ago by the United Kingdom, has already been detected in at least eight European countries, said the head of the European office of the World Organization of health (WHO), Hans Kluge.

“Eight countries in the European region have identified the new variant of Covid-19 VOC-202012/01; it is vital to strengthen existing protective measures “Kluge wrote on his Twitter account.

The official noted that it is necessary to respect the distance, wear a chin strap and stay within the so-called “support bubbles”, which allow a fixed social circle to be formed while the restrictive measures remain in force, in order to avoid social exclusion.

Kluge added that la new strain, unlike the previous ones, is likely to spread among younger age groups, and he stressed the need to continue to strengthen restriction measures while this mutation is studied, according to the Sputnik news agency.

Last Saturday, the health authorities of United Kingdom has confirmed the presence in southern Britain of a new strain of coronavirus which spreads faster and could be up to 70% more contagious.

However, early studies have shown that there is no evidence that this strain causes more severe symptoms, increases disease lethality, or reduces antibody response or vaccine effectiveness.

Two days after, WHO has reported that the new strain has already been detected in other countries, including Australia, Denmark, Italy, Iceland and the Netherlands..

In parallel, another new strain of coronavirus has been found in South Africa, whose Health Minister Zwelini Mkhize said today in a statement that there was “no evidence” that he was “more contagious than the UK variant.

Since last weekend, many countries have suspended flights from the UK and South Africa, and others have tightened health protocols for people arriving from these countries, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.