Since health authorities have begun to more accurately sequence positive COVID-19 cases – that is, by genetically examining the test results – they have also found more and more mutations.
Most of those mutations are insignificant. But there are a few variants that researchers and officials are concerned about, in part because they are more contagious and because existing vaccines may be less effective at protecting against them.
No more freedom of movement. Some countries try to stop the spread of mutations by closing borders.
In addition to the variants identified in Great Britain, South Africa, and Brazil, there are two more variants of concern in the United States that apparently evolved there.
Rapid spread
In November, researchers first noticed a mutation in New York City called B.1.526. Since then, this variant has spread rapidly in the metropolis and across the state. By mid-February, it had been detected in 12% of all gene sequenced samples in New York.
This variant has also appeared in other countries, such as Denmark.
The California variant, CAL.20, is believed to be more contagious than the original virus, but not as dangerous as the UK variant.
The so-called California variety, first discovered in July 2020, has also spread quickly. Meanwhile, the two similar types, B.1.427 and B.1.429, of the California variant can be found in about a quarter of gene-sequenced samples in California.
What do we know about the two American variants?
So far we do not have solid reliable data on these variants. The California variant, CAL.20C, is said to be more contagious than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. In cotton swabs from infected individuals, the viral load in the samples was found to be approximately doubled. But it is less contagious than the British mutant B.1.1.7, which has now been found in many countries, including Germany. The existing vaccines are believed 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 found in more than 40 countries, and also bears resemblance to the Brazilian variants, P.1 and P.2, which have been found in more than 20 countries, most recently in the United Kingdom.
It is still unclear whether the New York variant is more contagious or dangerous and whether existing vaccines are still sufficiently effective against this variant.
New software helps in the search
Finding the respective variants is only possible if you know what to look for. Although we now know the genome of SARS-CoV-2, the virus is 29,903 nucleotides long, which is far too long to be able to quickly identify which variants could make it more infectious among the 611,000 genomes now stored in the GISAID database. .
The mutations were found using new software called Variant Database (VDB) developed at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena by a team led by Pamela Bjorkman. It targets changes in the spike protein.
A mutation called E484K has been found in both the South African and Brazilian variant.
The potentially dangerous mutation E484K, present in B.1.351 and P.1, changes the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, and this is where the antibodies with the strongest neutralizing effect attack.
A cause for concern, but not for panic
The tip of the spike protein has also been changed in the New York variant. Understandably, this has caused some concern, Columbia University epidemiologist Wafaa El-Sadr told German public broadcaster ARD. “These changes may cause the spike protein to attach better. Or the virus to multiply more quickly. Or it may not be controlled by the antibodies through our vaccines,” he said.
But until detailed and robust data on the U.S. variants is available, these observations will remain speculative and there is no need to panic, said Dave Chokshi, commissioner in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in New York City. So far, there is no evidence to show that it spreads faster, whether it makes people sicker or if it decreases the effectiveness of the vaccine, he said.
This article has been translated from German.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Finland
The Finnish government has extended stricter rules for those entering the country until at least March 18. All travelers will have to take a coronavirus test at the border. Finland restricts access from all Schengen countries – where people are allowed to travel without border controls – and only allows essential travel for work for services such as health and emergency services.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Sweden
Travelers from most EU countries and those traveling from non-EU countries exempt from the EU entry ban will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test not older than 48 hours upon arrival or will be rejected . The new rules came into effect on February 6. There is a ban on entry into Sweden from the UK, Denmark and Norway, with the exception of Swedish citizens and people living or working in Sweden.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Denmark
Due to the high infection rate, warnings are currently being issued against non-essential tourist travel to Denmark. Only people with a valid reason and a negative coronavirus test, not older than 24 hours, will be allowed into the country. Denmark’s lockdown has been extended to February 28. Restaurants, cafes and pubs, as well as cultural and recreational facilities, will remain closed.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Switzerland
Switzerland’s border with its neighbors, the countries of the Schengen zone and most of Europe are open. Arrivals from some countries and regions classified as “high risk” due to their infection rate must be quarantined for 10 days after arrival. Flights from the UK and South Africa have been suspended. Since January 18, stores have been forced to close, with the exception of suppliers of everyday goods.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Luxembourg
Travelers from EU and Schengen area countries can enter Luxembourg without submitting a negative COVID-19 test unless arriving by air; since January 29, a negative test must be presented when boarding. Non-essential travel from most third countries is prohibited until March 31. Non-essential shops are open, but bars and restaurants are closed in Luxembourg and there is a curfew from 11pm
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Czech Republic
As the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in the Czech Republic, the government has extended the state of emergency until February 28. The Czech government has closed three border areas and there are border controls. As of February 25, wearing FFP2 or surgical masks in public areas across the country will be mandatory.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Norway
Norway closed its borders until the end of February for much-needed travel to prevent the spread of coronavirus variants. Apart from returning Norwegian residents, only “socially critical personnel” are exempt from this access rule. Of these, anyone coming from a red high-risk area should have a negative Covid-19 test result with them. A ten-day quarantine is also required.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Poland
Travelers from non-EU countries can only enter Poland for essential travel. The borders are open to travelers from most EU countries. All arrivals in Poland must isolate themselves for 10 days, with some exceptions related to work or residence in Poland. The country now also allows travelers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter without being quarantined.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Turkey
All travelers 6 years and older must present a negative PCR test result before entering Turkey and may undergo a health check upon arrival. Turkey has currently banned flights from the UK due to the new COVID-19 variant. Shopping centers, markets, restaurants and hairdressers are open all week from 10am to 8pm.
Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel in Europe – Country by Country
Croatia
On November 30, new measures were introduced to temporarily limit the border crossing. However, some exceptions have been made. Croatia follows a traffic light system for travel restrictions and anyone from an EU country on the ‘green list’ can enter the country without any restrictions. That is, they show no symptoms and have not been around an infected person.
