WHO supports European countries’ response to new virus variant
WHO/Europe is supporting countries in the WHO European Region following the report of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant on 14 December 2020 by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Support has included: the assessment of risks; recommendations on virological studies, sequencing and vaccination; guidance on measures; and risk communication. Partner coordination and information sharing has been at the base of the response.
SARS-CoV-2 variant reported to WHO by United Kingdom national authorities
A total of 1108 confirmed cases of a new variant virus, referred to as VUI – 202012/01, have been detected in the United Kingdom as of 13 December 2020. This variant, which includes a range of genetic changes, has spread predominantly in south-east England.
Scientists from the United Kingdom are undertaking a series of urgent epidemiological and virological investigations to further determine the impact of any change on viral properties, such as transmission, disease severity, antibody response or vaccine efficacy.
WHO risk assessment
All viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, change as they circulate. These changes can lead to changes in characteristics of the virus. This is why WHO monitors changes closely, and why everyone must continue to take all actions to slow and eventually stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
This new variant detected in the United Kingdom has several combinations of mutations, particularly in the S gene, and there are preliminary signs that the variant may be able to spread more easily between people. There is also preliminary information that the variant may affect the performance of some diagnostic tools; it is thus important to adapt testing to detect this variant. There is currently no indication of any change in disease severity, but this is also under investigation.
Continued virus circulation is likely to result in many more mutations over time. This is why it is key that any new variants are identified through sequencing and assessed for their public health impact. WHO advises that further virological studies be conducted to understand the specific mutations described in the United Kingdom.
WHO recommendations
WHO advises all countries to increase the sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 viruses where possible, share sequence data internationally, and report if the same mutations of concern are found.
It is key to stop spread at its source. All the basic public health and social measures that are known to work need to be continued. These include testing, isolating and caring for cases, contact tracing and quarantine, as well as individual protective measures for everyone, such as hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask wearing.
The more people get vaccinated, the more the circulation of the virus will be reduced and its potential for new mutations and variants will decrease.
Regarding international travel, WHO recommends taking a risk-based approach to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 across borders, while avoiding unnecessary interference with international traffic. Some countries have introduced travel restrictions as a time-limited, precautionary measure in consideration of their domestic situation. Essential travel should always be prioritized and facilitated.
