New corona mutant virus WHO person in charge "Infection speed is fast"

WHO = World Health Organization experts point out that the spread of the new mutated coronavirus that spreads in the United Kingdom is faster than the conventional virus, but the risk of aggravation and death is significantly different from the conventional one. It shows the view that there is no virus.

In an interview with NHK, Dr. Richard Pebody, who is dealing with the mutant virus at WHO's regional secretariat in Europe, said that the new mutated coronavirus, which spreads in the United Kingdom, "has gathered evidence that the infection spreads faster than conventional viruses. In the United Kingdom, infections began to appear in the weeks of December last year, and this month more people were infected with the mutant virus. "

On the other hand, "the possibility of being hospitalized or dying is no different from that of conventional viruses," he said.

Furthermore, regarding whether vaccines developed in each country are effective against mutant viruses, "Several studies are underway to see if there is only a more limited effect on mutant viruses, but at least at this stage, it is theoretically a mutant virus. There is no reason why it doesn't work, "he said, calling for thorough measures such as washing hands, wearing a mask, and avoiding 3 strains.

According to WHO, the mutant virus that spreads in the United Kingdom has been confirmed in 58 countries and regions as of the 17th.

Requesting information disclosure from the Chinese side over the investigation of rice sources

At the WHO Executive Board of the World Health Organization, which began on the 18th, the United States requested China to disclose information over the investigation into the source of the new coronavirus, which is being conducted by WHO's international research team. On the other hand, there was one act in which the Chinese side argued against this.

Among them, the representative of the United States said about the investigation that the research team is conducting in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, "The investigation will be provided by the Chinese side with all the information such as the gene sequence for the new virus and the samples taken so far in Wuhan. Only by doing so will succeed, "he said, asking the Chinese side to disclose all the information.

In response, a representative from China said, "China has always disclosed information in a timely manner and responded with transparency and responsibility. Investigation of the source of the virus requires coordination and cooperation, and is political. We should stop putting pressure on it, "he argued that he was disclosing the information.

Regarding the WHO investigation, US Secretary of State Pompeo said on the 15th that he mentioned the "Wuhan Institute of Virginology, Chinese Academy of Sciences" in Wuhan. It is important to have unlimited access to the virus, "he said, calling for a thorough investigation.

The number of confirmed infections in the UK is decreasing, but the number of inpatients is the highest, “one hospitalized every 30 seconds”

In the United Kingdom, where infection with the new mutated coronavirus is widespread, the number of newly confirmed infections per day is declining, but the number of inpatients is the highest ever, and the medical system is in a serious situation. it is continuing.

In the United Kingdom, infection with the mutated new coronavirus, which is said to be highly infectious, has spread, and going out is severely restricted. In principle, retail stores other than restaurants and stores that handle daily necessities are prohibited from operating.

The infection has spread rapidly since last month, with more than 60,000 new cases confirmed each day, but less than 50,000 in recent days.

However, the number of inpatients is increasing, with the latest announcement at 37,475, the highest number ever, and the government says it is hospitalized at a rate of 1 in 30 seconds.

"We haven't escaped the crisis yet. The medical system is tight and the number of infected people is still increasing," Johnson told the media on the 18th, and will thoroughly implement measures such as strict restrictions on going out. I strongly called for it.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Hancock said at a news conference that more than 4 million people have been vaccinated for the first time.

In the UK, we are aiming to vaccinate 15 million people, including the elderly aged 70 and over and healthcare professionals, by the 15th of next month, and we are rushing to vaccinate these people.

In the United States, "Mutant virus may become mainstream infection by March"

The mutated virus, which spreads in the United Kingdom, has not been confirmed to spread rapidly in the United States at this stage, but the US CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that it may become the mainstream of infection by March. I will.

In the United States, a total of 88 cases of mutant virus infection have been reported in 14 states, and infections of people who have never traveled have been confirmed.

In a report released on the 15th, the CDC estimates that at this stage, infection with the mutant virus is less than 0.5% of cases infected with the new coronavirus in the United States.

However, since mutant viruses spread faster than previous viruses, the CDC estimates that they may become mainstream in the United States by March.

The CDC says that in order to control the spread of infection, it is necessary to take more thorough measures against infection, such as wearing masks and avoiding contact with others, and to promptly promote vaccination.