The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed the reason for the emergence of a more dangerous mutation of the coronavirus from the UK and urged not to panic. Sylvie Briand, Director of the WHO Department of Pandemics and Epidemics, announced this on the air of BFMTV.

The likelihood of the virus being modified increases with the increase in transmission, she said. In addition, since the coronavirus is of animal origin, during mutations it gradually adapts to the human body, the expert noted. “Therefore, for each identified mutations, it is necessary to determine what new characteristics it acquires, whether major changes occur, or is it just a normal evolution,” explained the director of the WHO department.

Currently, WHO does not note the impact of the new mutation SARS-CoV-2 on mortality. The organization also doubts that the new strain will have an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines.

Brian called the measures introduced in the UK correct. She said she hoped the restrictions would slow the spread of the new mutation before mass vaccinations began. Nevertheless, the situation remains uncertain, and it is possible that countries will have to take additional precautionary measures.

Earlier in the Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and Italy, a new strain of coronavirus was discovered – the same one that was previously found in the UK. Experts recalled that a new type of coronavirus is spreading faster than the already known, but it is still impossible to talk about its greater danger. In addition, there is no evidence that the mutation of the virus reacts differently to the vaccine.

On December 14, UK Health Minister Matthew Hancock announced that a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 has been identified in the country, which is spreading faster than the original form. The virus spreads more easily from person to person and is therefore more contagious, he said.