Since health authorities began to sequence COVID-19 positive cases more closely – that is, by genetically examining test results – they have also found more and more mutations.
Most of these mutations are insignificant. But there are several options that researchers and officials are concerned about, in part because they are more contagious and because existing vaccines may be less effective in protecting against them.
No more freedom of movement. Some countries are trying to stop the spread of mutations by closing borders.
In addition to the variants identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, there are two other variants of concern in the United States, which appear to have evolved there.
Fast spread
In November, researchers first noticed a mutation in New York called B.1.526. Since then, this variant has spread rapidly in the metropolis and throughout the state. By mid-February, it was detected in 12% of all New York samples that were sequenced by genes.
This variant has also appeared in other countries, such as Denmark.
The California variant, CAL.20, is thought to be more contagious than the original virus, but not as dangerous as the British version.
The so-called California variant, first detected in July 2020, also spread rapidly. Meanwhile, the two similar types, B.1.427 and B.1.429, of the California variant can be found in about a quarter of the sequenced gene samples in California.
What do we know about the two American variants?
To date, we do not have complete reliable data on these variants. The California variant, CAL.20C, is said to be more contagious than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. In swabs taken from infected individuals, the viral load in the samples was found to be somewhat doubled. But it is less infectious than the British mutant B.1.1.7, which has now been detected in a large number of countries, including Germany. Existing vaccines are considered to be somewhat less effective against the California virus variant, but still sufficient to protect patients from a severe course of COVID-19.
The New York virus variant, B.1.526, is similar to the South African variant, B.1.351, which has already been detected in over 40 countries and also has similarities to the Brazilian variants, P.1 and P.2, which have been detected in over 20 countries, most recently in the United Kingdom.
It is not yet clear whether the New York variant is more contagious or dangerous and whether existing vaccines are still sufficiently effective against this variant.
New software helps with search
Finding those options is only possible if you know what to look for. Although we now know the SARS-CoV-2 genome, the virus has a length of 29,903 nucleotides, which is far too long to make it possible to quickly identify variants that can make it more infectious among the 611,000 genomes now stored in the GISAID database. .
The mutations were found using new software called the Variant Database (VDB) developed at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena by a team led by Pamela Bjorkman. Focuses on spike protein changes.
A mutation called E484K was found in both the South African and Brazilian versions.
The potentially dangerous E484K mutation, which is present in B.1.351 and P.1, alters the binding domain of spike protein receptors, and here it attacks antibodies with the strongest neutralizing effect.
A cause for concern, but not panic
The tip of the spike protein is also modified in the New York variant. Understandably, this has caused some concern, Columbia University epidemiologist Wafaa El-Sadr told German public broadcaster ARD. These changes can lead to spike protein that can attach better. Or that the virus can reproduce faster. Or that antibodies can’t be fought with our vaccines, he said.
But until detailed and robust data on US variants are available, these remarks remain speculative and there is no need to panic, said Dave Chokshi, commissioner at the New York Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. So far, there is no evidence that it is spreading faster, whether it makes people sick or reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine, he said.
This article was translated from German.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Finland
The Finnish government has extended stricter regulations for those entering the country until at least March 18. All travelers will need to have a coronavirus test at the border. Finland restricts entry from all Schengen countries – where people are allowed to travel without border control – allowing only essential business travel for services such as health care and emergency services.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Sweden
Travelers from most EU countries and people traveling from outside the EU who are exempt from the EU entry ban will have to take a negative COVID-19 test no later than 48 hours after arrival or be removed. The new rules came into force on February 6. There is a ban on entering Sweden from the United Kingdom, Denmark and Norway, except for Swedish citizens and people living or working in Sweden.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Denmark
Currently, non-essential tourist trips to Denmark are warned against high levels of infection. Only people with a valid reason and a negative coronavirus test, up to 24 hours old, will be allowed in the country. The closure of Denmark was extended until February 28. Restaurants, cafes and pubs, as well as cultural and leisure facilities remain closed.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Switzerland
Switzerland’s border with its neighbors, the Schengen countries and most of Europe is open. Arrivals from some countries and regions that are classified as “high risk” due to the infection rate must be quarantined for 10 days after arrival. Flights from the UK and South Africa have been suspended. As of January 18, stores had to close, except for everyday goods suppliers.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Luxembourg
Travelers from EU countries and the Schengen area can enter Luxembourg without having to take a negative COVID-19 test, unless they arrive by air; from 29 January a negative test must be shown on boarding. Non-essential travel from most third countries is prohibited until 31 March. Non-essential shops are open, but bars and restaurants are closed in Luxembourg and there is a nest from 23:00.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Czech Republic
As the coronavirus spreads rapidly in the Czech Republic, the government extended the state of emergency until 28 February. The Czech government has sealed three border areas and there are border controls. From February 25, wearing FFP2 or surgical masks in public areas is mandatory throughout the country.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Norway
Norway closed its borders until the end of February for all but essential journeys to prevent the spread of coronavirus variants. Apart from the return of Norwegian residents, only “socially critical staff” are exempted from this entry rule. Of these, anyone arriving from a high-risk red region should have a negative Covid-19 test result. A ten-day quarantine is also required.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Poland
Travelers from non-EU countries can only enter Poland for essential trips. The borders are open to most EU travelers. All arrivals in Poland must isolate themselves for 10 days, with some exceptions related to work or residence in Poland. The country now allows travelers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter without having to be quarantined.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Turkey
All travelers over the age of 6 will have to test negative for the PCR test before they can enter Turkey and may be subject to a health check on arrival. Turkey has currently banned flights from the UK due to the new COVID-19 variant. Shopping malls, markets, restaurants and hair salons are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the week.
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Restrictions on non-essential travel in Europe – country by country
Croatia
New measures temporarily restricting the crossing of the border were introduced on 30 November. However, some exemptions have been made. Croatia is pursuing a traffic light system for travel restrictions and anyone coming from an EU country on the “green list” can enter the country without restrictions. This is provided that they do not show symptoms and have not been in the immediate vicinity of an infected person.
Author: Susan Bonney-Cox
