The spread of coronavirus infectious variables is accelerating in Europe, going faster than the already slow release of vaccines and forcing governments to extend and reduce restrictions on civil society and industry to prevent on a new rise in diseases by the end of the region’s winter.
A shortage of vaccines in the European Union – only 4.8% of Europeans have been vaccinated since the end of December – means the continent has not even started the race against virus mutations that many experts say explain health policy in the coming months and years.
Most European countries are experiencing a steady decline in disease after months of lock-ins, but the spread of the new variables first identified in the UK, South Africa and Brazil – to the called B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 respectively. – this is accelerating, meaning that these viruses are rapidly gaining ground under the declining numbers.
The three changes now circulating in Europe are believed to be more easily transmitted, and potentially more dangerous, than the original pathogen that still makes up the majority. in some European cases. There is also growing evidence that some strains may be as vulnerable to the vaccines currently authorized in the region, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
The variability first identified in Britain accounted for 96% of viral samples examined at three major laboratories in England in early February, compared with just over a third at early December, according to the UK government.