WHO: 'British' coronavirus strain detected in 43 European countries

The 'British' strain (B. 1. 1. 7) of coronavirus infection was detected in 43 European countries, the 'South African' (B. 1.351) variant in 26 countries, and the 'Brazilian' (P1) variant in 15 countries, the Director of the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO), Hans Kluge, said at a briefing in Copenhagen, as quoted by Report.

According to him, it is necessary to stop the spread of the virus by vaccinating the population. He added that this method had shown its effectiveness — the number of hospitalizations and deaths in most risk groups is decently reduced.

Moreover, Kluge noted that vaccination would take time.

"Due to the high prevalence rates and the rapid spread of new coronavirus variants across the region, there is a need to improve testing, case isolation, and contact tracing," a WHO spokesperson said.