The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated the spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 (VOC) coronavirus in Europe. Hans Kluge, director of the European regional office of the organization, said that the strain was found in 22 countries of the continent. His words are quoted by TASS.
“Like all viruses, the COVID-19 virus has changed over time,” Kluge said. He added that he understands the concern and anxiety caused by the spread of the new strain. The new mutation, he said, can spread so much that it replaces the old ones. As of January 7, the virus has already been detected in 22 European countries.
Kluge explained that although the “British” strain was more infectious and began to spread faster, the disease it causes has not changed. The Director of the WHO Office for Europe stressed that children are still not at risk.
A new mutation of the coronavirus was first discovered in the UK in September 2020, but it began to spread actively in December. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the new strain could be 70 percent more infectious. The mutation affected the area of the spike protein on the surface of the coronavirus, which is responsible for attaching to cells located in the mucous membrane of the lungs and a number of other organs.
