“This strain is more infectious, just like the British one,” TASS quoted her as saying.
At the same time, she noted that "with the introduction of the necessary measures, including social distancing, the spread of infection can be brought under control."
She also said that experts do not see changes in the severity of the course of the disease and hospitalizations.
The WHO expert added that research is currently underway regarding the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines against the South African strain.
Earlier, the European Commission created an action plan to protect against new strains of COVID-19.