A new variant of the coronavirus was found in the Brittany region in northwestern France, preliminary data do not indicate its increased danger, according to the Ministry of Health of the republic.
It is noted that this option was difficult to identify. People who contracted it “had symptoms typical of SARS-CoV-2,” but PCR tests were negative.
“The new variant was identified in the hospital center (in the commune – ed.) of Lannion in the department of Côte d’Armor. On March 13 79 cases were detected, including 8 cases of infection with the new variant, which was confirmed by sequencing assistance, “- said in a statement on the website of the French Ministry of Health.
According to preliminary data, experts do not conclude “neither about its greater danger, nor about an increased ability to be transmitted” than that of the “original” version. Experts are engaged in further analysis of the virus and it is planned to establish empirically how this variant reacts to “vaccination and antibodies produced during previous infections”.
French experts have classified this variant of the virus in the initial category of the World Health Organization – “variants under supervision”. After being judged by experts, if it has special properties, it can be categorized as “problematic options” (VOC).
The French authorities have already transferred information about the new version to the international health authorities, the department said.
In total, more than four million cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the country, slightly less than 90.8 thousand people have died.