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Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - Around 1000 samples with virus variants have now been completely sequenced in Baden-Württemberg.
According to the Ministry of Science, the variants of Sars-CoV-2 that were described for the first time in Great Britain (B.1.1.7) and those in South Africa (B.1.351), which are more infectious, were found.
University clinics and private laboratories are currently building up the logistics in order to further increase capacities.
"In Baden-Württemberg we have the capacity to analyze 100 percent of the positive samples in a few days," said Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) according to a statement.
Experts are concerned about the dynamics of the spread of the UK and South African variants.
On December 24th last year, the first virus variant associated with a trip abroad became known in Baden-Württemberg.
After the outbreak of a mutated coronavirus variant in a daycare center in Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg decided not to open daycare centers and elementary schools earlier.
After a dispute about the corona test strategy, Minister of Education Susanne Eisenmann (CDU) and Minister of Health Manne Lucha (Greens) also agreed a few days ago to expand corona tests at daycare centers and primary schools.
The staff at educational and care facilities in attendance should initially receive an offer of two rapid tests per week by Easter.
The increase in the number of tests is intended to accompany the opening of daycare centers and primary schools after the carnival holidays on February 22nd, when the number of infections allows a relaxation.
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In the laboratories of the State Health Office and the university clinics, the samples are not only examined for the two previously known, but for all virus variants by sequencing the full genome.
The overview of the proportion of known virus variants as well as the discovery of new relevant virus mutations is of great importance for the control and monitoring of infections, according to Lucha.
"By systematically examining the virus for changes, mutations that harbor a particular risk, for example with regard to the transferability, severity of disease and effectiveness of vaccines, can be quickly identified and targeted measures can be taken," explained Kretschmann.
Baden-Württemberg is making a significant contribution to obtaining an overview of the spread of the virus and mutations, said Science Minister Theresia Bauer (Greens) according to the announcement.
"We're getting faster and faster at discovering and deciphering new mutations."
In addition, according to the communication, a separate national database will be set up for scientific purposes.
In addition to the 100 percent sequencing, the database is a specialty in Baden-Württemberg compared to other countries.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210208-99-345692 / 2