COVID: UK variant spreading rapidly in Germany

The proportion of cases resulting from the coronavirus mutation first detected in the UK is doubling every week, officials say.

The variant, known by the scientific name B117, now accounts for over 22% of infections in Germany (Marijan Murat/dpa/picture alliance)

German Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters in Berlin Wednesday that the B117 coronavirus variant now accounts for 22% of all new infections in the country.

Two weeks ago, the number of cases resulting from the mutation first discovered in the UK was just 6%. Officials fear that despite a reduction in the number of new cases, this could cause another surge in infections.

Read | SARS-CoV-2: UK variant continues to spread, but vaccines seem to work

What did the Health Minister say?

Story continues below this ad

Citing data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases, Spahn said:

Germany “must assume” the variant will soon become “dominant here.”

The percentage of cases resulting from the variant is “doubling every week.”

Another 1.5% of cases are caused by the variant first detected in South Africa.

Story continues below this ad

What is Germany doing to counter an increase in cases?

Spahn said Tuesday that Germany was planning free antigen tests for all residents from March.

Despite the emergence of new variants, Spahn noted that the infection rate had halved in two months of lockdown.

Current measures have seen non-essential businesses closed and private meetings limited to two households. The measures have substantially reduced the rate of infection, but Chancellor Angela Merkel and other government officials have said it is still too early to ease restrictions.

Story continues below this ad

Germany has introduced hefty border restrictions targeting over a dozen countries and regions where the virus is believed to be widespread. The regions include the neighboring Czech Republic and Austria’s Tyrol.

The British mutation is estimated to be at least 35% more contagious than the novel coronavirus.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World11 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

View all shorts

Live Blog