Recorder message
22 December 2020 - As per the information reported by the national authorities in the United Kingdom, the new strain or variant is showing greater transmissibility. Research is now ongoing to find out how fast it can spread and whether the increased transmissibility relates purely to the new variant itself or there are other interconnected factors. Initial information indicates no evidence of changes in the severity of illness. Studies are being conducted to compare patients who have this variant with other COVID-19 patients.
There may be a change in the transmissibility of this variant, as well as reduced performance in diagnostic tests that use the S-gene target. However, so far there is no evidence of any changes in vaccine efficacy or antibody response.
It is important to know that all viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Hundreds of variants of this virus have been identified worldwide so far, and we have been following them closely. So far, most changes in this virus have had little to no impact on how it transmits or the severity of disease it causes.
The reason we are particularly interested in this variant is that it has several combinations of mutations, and there are preliminary signs that it may be able to spread more easily between people. WHO advises that further virological studies should be conducted to understand the specific mutations described by the United Kingdom.
We are in close contact with health authorities in the United Kingdom. They will continue to update us with information and the results of the investigations and researches they are conducting. We, in turn, will inform Member States and the public whenever we have more information and a clearer picture of the characteristics of this variant.
We emphasize that we will follow science and scientific evidence to understand the impact of this new variant. In the meantime, we advise everyone to comply fully with preventive measures and public health procedures and follow national authorities' guidance.