China News Service, November 27. According to Singapore’s “Lianhe Zaobao” report on the 27th, South African scientists determined that the “extremely worrying” new variant of the new crown virus B.1.1.529 appeared in the country, which may have caused a surge in single-day cases in South Africa this month. 10 times.
Several countries have also reported the discovery of cases of this new strain. As the epidemic prevention situation has become more complicated, many countries have tightened entry measures.
The World Health Organization met urgently on the 26th to discuss the severity of the strain, and may name the virus "nu" according to the convention of naming the virus with Greek letters.
Data map: The "Delta" strain of the new coronavirus mutant under an electron microscope.
More mutations and more infectious
B11529: The most terrifying new crown variant virus strain so far?
South Africa took the lead in reporting the discovery of a new variant of the new crown virus that may be stronger than the Delta virus, which shocked the international community struggling with epidemic prevention.
From the United Kingdom in Europe, Israel in the Middle East, to Singapore and Malaysia in Asia, more and more countries have announced restrictions on the entry of people from South Africa and neighboring non-Southern countries to ensure safety.
South African scientists determined on November 25 that the "extremely worrying" new variant of the new crown virus B.1.1.529 appeared in the country, which is believed to be the cause of the 10-fold increase in single-day cases in South Africa this month.
South African Health Minister Fahra described this as "a major threat."
According to scientists, B.1.1.529 is the most evolved new coronavirus strain so far, that is, it is more resistant to vaccines and may be larger than the Delta strain.
As of Thursday, virologists have found nearly 100 cases of this new type in South Africa.
De Oliveira, a professor of bioinformatics in charge of genetic sequence research at two universities in South Africa, said at a press conference that this mutant strain carries an unusually large number of mutations and is "obviously very different" from the previous mutant strain.
The new virus may be more contagious and better able to circumvent the immune system.
De Oliveira said that South African scientists are racing against time to determine the spread of the new virus and whether the existing vaccines are effective against it, or it may take at least two weeks for results.
Data map: Outside a large hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, people admitted to the hospital undergo strict screening.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Wang Xi
The British Health and Safety Agency also said that B.1.1.529 is the most mutated new coronavirus variant so far. Its spike protein has 32 mutations, which is twice as much as the delta variant virus. It is completely different from the spike protein of the original new crown virus. Can avoid human immune response.
Even if you have completed the vaccination or have been infected with the disease and have immunity, the protective effect will be reduced.
The director of the Institute of Genetics at University College London and Professor of Biology Ballu pointed out that the new virus may be a mutation that occurs during infection of people with weakened immunity, such as mutations in untreated AIDS patients after being infected with the new crown.
The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on the 26th to discuss the severity of B.1.1.529, and may name the virus "nu" according to the convention of naming with Greek letters.
Data map: Medical staff injected the new coronavirus vaccine.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Wang Gang
The alarm goes off
Many countries immediately tighten immigration measures
In addition to South Africa, its neighboring country Botswana also reported at least four cases of B.1.1.529; Hong Kong, China also confirmed the discovery of two imported cases of this type; Israel and Belgium each announced the discovery of one on the same day.
The new virus struck, and the alarm sounded.
Although no new cases have been detected in the United Kingdom, the British government has taken the lead in announcing on Thursday that flights from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Iswatini will be prohibited from entering South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Iswatini on Thursday. Those who have recently arrived from these countries must be quarantined at government facilities for 10 days.
Germany, Italy, Israel, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia also announced the same measures immediately.
Data map: South Africa dispatched trains carrying the new crown vaccine to vaccinate people in areas with tight medical facilities.
European Commission President Von der Lein tweeted that the European Commission would recommend to EU member states to urgently prohibit the entry of tourists from South Africa.
The Minister of Health of India instructed local governments across the country to scrutinize tourists from South Africa and other "at risk" countries.
India just relaxed travel restrictions earlier this month.
The Australian government said that if the risk escalates, Australia will also bar people from South Africa from entering.
The New Zealand government stated that it is ready to respond.