The coronavirus new strain is 56% more infectious and can cause increased deaths, UK scientists say, DW reports.
The increased transmissibility of the new variant can lead to a significant increase in morbidity, and in 2021 the number of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 will be higher than in 2020.
The study notes that scientists "could not find clear evidence that VOC 202012/01 results in more or less disease severity than pre-existing options."
Scientists say the restrictive measures that have been introduced now will not stop the new version of the coronavirus" unless primary schools, secondary schools, and universities are closed." Loose control measures can cause major recurrent outbreaks.
To get the situation under control, it may be "necessary to significantly accelerate vaccine introduction."
On December 25, head of the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO) Hans Kluge said that a new strain of the coronavirus was detected in eight European countries.
