Strasbourg in a hurry to contain the Delta variant coronavirus cluster
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Authorities in Strasbourg have launched an “immediate action plan” to stem the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant, after a cluster was detected at a local school.
Four people tested positive at the Rhine School of the Arts, while 43 other contact cases are under investigation.
The prefecture of Bas-Rhin region closed the school and launched a large-scale action plan to track down potential cases.
Targeted vaccination operations are planned this weekend, with priority given to students and staff in bars and restaurants.
The Regional Health Agency gives the measures taken after the discovery on Thursday of the English variant at the Haute École des Arts du Rhin. https://t.co/xdlXtusPJy
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“This is overwhelming news”, David Cascaro, principal of the school, told the local newspaper the Latest News from Alsace, adding that the school’s popular year-end party was now in doubt.
“There were already no more classes, but the big problem for us is graduation.”
Very contagious
The Delta variant, first detected in India, is up to 60% more contagious than the Alpha, the English variant which crippled France during the winter.
Authorities in the UK, where the Delta variant currently accounts for more than 90 percent of cases, say vaccination programs have been shown to be effective in slowing its spread.