While corona vaccines are being approved for the first time, a new mutation of the coronavirus is spreading.
Apparently, the variant is far more contagious.
The coronavirus variant VUI2020 / 12/01 is currently spreading mainly in parts of Great Britain.
The mutation is apparently much more contagious than the conventional coronavirus.
What is already known about the new shape.
London - A
new variant of the coronavirus has been
discovered in the
UK
.
According to
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
, according to initial findings, this is significantly more contagious than the known form.
It is currently assumed that the variant is up to 70 percent more contagious.
But there is no evidence that
vaccines
are less effective, said the Prime Minister.
“There is still a lot we don't know.
But there is no evidence that the
new variant
triggers more or more severe disease processes. ”Nor has a higher mortality rate been determined by the
new virus variant VUI2020 / 12/01
.
Corona: New virus variant discovered - Strict measures are being adopted in affected regions
Because of the
coronavirus mutation,
the government tightened the restrictions for London significantly from Sunday (December 20).
"If the virus changes its method of attack, we will have to change our method of defense," said Johnson.
The previously three-stage corona warning system has now been expanded to four - including the capital as well as other regions in the southeast, for which an
express lockdown has also been
ordered.
In the
affected regions
, residents are only allowed to leave their homes for important reasons, for example to go to the doctor or to work.
Even at Christmas you shouldn't meet members of other households, emphasized Johnson.
“We can't spend Christmas as planned.” All non-essential businesses and other facilities such as fitness studios or beauty salons have to close.
Residents of the
highest Corona level 4
are not allowed to leave this zone.
(
dpa / nema
)