New possible enemy in the war in Corona: The German media reported today (Tuesday) that a new mutation of the virus has been discovered among a group of patients in a hospital in the south of the country.
An unknown strain of the virus was reportedly detected in a group of 37 patients at a hospital in the ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in southeastern Germany. Infected in the new strain are part of a large group of 73 infected with the corona virus detected in the town last week.
The Bavarian television network BR24 reported that samples from the new strain had been sent to the Charita University Hospital in Berlin, in order to examine and understand the newly discovered strain. It was further reported that the new mutation is not similar to those diagnosed in the UK and South Africa.
The hospital’s deputy director, Dr Clemens Stocklausner, said at a press conference held at the hospital that it was not yet known whether the new mutation had made the virus more resistant, more contagious or more lethal, and that extensive tests on samples sent to Berlin should be awaited.
“At the moment we can report that we have discovered a small spot mutation, and it is not at all clear if it has medical significance. We have to wait until the end of the genetic tests in the samples,” Dr. Stocklausner clarified.
A government document was released in Germany today revealing that Chancellor Angela Merkel intends to extend the Corona closure until mid-February. The German government also intends to charge masks for public transport and supermarkets.