Austria prohibits entry from South African countries
Corona variant B.1.1.529 proven to die in South African countries is under international observation, and entry regulations have already been tightened.
The spread of a new potentially more dangerous variant of the coronavirus in southern Africa has sparked international concern. Some experts fear that variant B.1.1.529 could be highly contagious due to an unusually large number of mutations and could also penetrate the protective shield of the vaccines more easily. The pharmaceutical company Biontech is examining a possible adaptation of its mRNA vaccines.
22 cases of the new variant B.1.1.529 have been detected. More is to be expected in the course of the ongoing genome analyzes. “Although the data is still limited, our experts are working overtime with all surveillance systems to understand the new variant and the possible implications associated with it.”
No cases in Austria
None of the monitoring agencies in Austria are currently aware of any cases of the new variant. Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein reports. It was also not detected in wastewater monitoring. The EU Commission will protect travel from southern Africa to the EU to an absolute minimum, while Austria prohibits entry for these countries.
A WHO expert committee will discuss the classification of the new corona variant B.1.1.529 on Friday afternoon. Among other things, it is about the question of whether the mutant should be classified as a “worrying variant” or as a “variant under observation”, according to the UN agency. Then the media and governments should be informed about the result and possible measures.
Biontech is examining the variant
“We can understand the dying of experts and have initiated investigations into variant B.1.1.529,” says a Biontech spokesman. “The variant differs significantly from the variants observed so far, as it has additional mutations in the spike protein.” Further data from the laboratory tests can be expected in two weeks. “These data will tell us whether B.1.1.529 could be an escape variant that would require our vaccine to be adapted if this variant spreads internationally.”
According to its own information, Biontech made preparations for such a case months ago with its US partner Pfizer. The mRNA vaccine will then be modified within six weeks. First batches of the customized vaccine could be shipped within 100 days, according to the company.
Don’t panic with experts
With a little concern, but without panic, Austrian researcher Florian Krammer, who works at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, looks at the new variant B.1.1.529. Such a large number of mutations in the spike protein are “not good”. It could be a variant that makes the first adaptation of vaccines necessary. But more data is needed to make an assessment: “It’s too early to say something.”
Still too little is known about whether the derivative of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen designed in this way is similarly infectious or even more infectious than the currently dominant delta variant, said Krammer to the APA. However, it looks like she has what it takes to better escape an established immune defense.
South Africa’s Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, emphasizes that the new variant confirms the “fact that this invisible enemy is very unpredictable”. He called on the South Africans to wear masks, to keep their distance and, in particular, to get vaccinated. “We also have the extra vehicle of vaccination, which will help us avoid serious illnesses including ending up in clinics or even falling victim to the virus,” he says. (APA / Red.)
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