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Jena (dpa / th) - Scientists are also looking for genetic changes in the coronavirus in Thuringia.

At the Institute for Infection Medicine and Hospital Hygiene at the University Clinic, the complete genetic code of the virus had been determined in around 40 smears in the past few weeks, said Institute Director Mathias Pletz on request.

"We haven't found the British version yet."

However, not every single smear can be examined for genetic changes.

"It is very time-consuming and expensive."

With viruses, random changes in the genetic material, called mutations, occur constantly.

Some give the pathogen advantages - for example by making it easier to transmit.

In December, a variant of the coronavirus was detected in the UK, which analyzes suggest could be more contagious than the ones previously circulating.

According to Pletz, there are now also PCR test methods that specifically identify new virus variants.

In Thuringia, these should also be used at the Jena University Hospital, as he said.

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Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (left) had meanwhile stated in an interview with the “Thüringer Allgemeine” (Saturday edition) that there is currently no evidence of the mutation in Thuringia, which was first detected in England.

"I'm just afraid, when I look at the truck convoys that are rushing through under the English Channel at the moment, that it is only a matter of time," said Ramelow.

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Overview of intensive care beds

Ramelow interview in the TA