ECDC: The Delta mutation will dominate 90% across Europe

The most contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus, originally detected in India, is now spreading rapidly in Europe, with the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) estimating, based on available scientific evidence, the 70% of new coronavirus cases in Europe at the beginning of August and 90% by the end of August.

According to ECDC Director Dr. Andrea Amon, "Unfortunately, preliminary evidence suggests that Delta may infect people who have only received one dose of the vaccine available today. It is very likely that this variant will be widely available during the summer, especially among young people who are not included in the vaccination. "This can put the most vulnerable people at risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if they are not fully vaccinated."

On the other hand, as he said, "the good news is that giving two doses of any of the current vaccines provides high protection against the Delta variant and its consequences. However, about 30% of people over the age of 80 and about 40% of those over the age of 60 have not yet been vaccinated in the European Union. Thus, there are still many people at risk of serious infection Covid-19, which we must protect as soon as possible. " That is why he called on health authorities in European countries to "walk the last mile" by speeding up vaccinations.

According to the ECDC, the Delta variant is 40% to 60% more contagious than the Alpha ("British") variant and appears to pose a higher risk of hospitalization.

Source: RES-EAP