Three mutant variants of the coronavirus that were first detected in Britain, South Africa and Brazil pose a high risk in Europe and are expected to cause more COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, stated Europe’s disease surveillance agency.

The variants carry mutations in parts of the coronavirus that make them more transmissible. These variants have already been detected in several European countries, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). ECDC’s director Andrea Ammon stated that they are observing worsening epidemiological situations in areas where more transmissible variants of the virus have become established. The risk assessment mentioned that European Union member states must prepare their healthcare systems for an increase in demand… (Reuters, January 21, 2021)