The new omicron variant of the coronavirus has been circulating in Europe for longer than previously assumed: In the Netherlands, for example, the mutation was detected in two test samples dated November 19 and 23. The Dutch Institute for Public Health (RIVM) announced yesterday. South Africa did not officially announce the discovery of the new variant with the scientific name B.1.1.529 until November 24th.
However, it is still unclear whether the infected people tested on November 19 and 23 were also in southern Africa, said the RIVM. Those affected had been informed that the authorities would take care of tracking their contacts.
Portugal: football club affected
There are also signs in Portugal that Omikron has been in use in Europe for some time. At the football club Belenenses Lisbon, B.1.1.529 was found in 13 players and officials. Defender Thibang Cafu Phete had recently returned to his club after serving internationally from South Africa. He played for the national team against Ghana on November 14th.
Omikron has also been circulating in Scotland for some time, and six cases have been detected. However, these six people have no connection with returning travelers from South Africa, said the regional government in Edinburgh.
Therefore, the first transmissions within Scotland can be assumed, said Deputy Prime Minister John Swinney of the BBC. “That of course presents us with additional challenges in containing the spread.”
Emer Cooke, the director of the European Medicines Agency EMA, emphasized that they are prepared for Omikron. It will take two weeks to get any clues as to whether the current vaccines can cope with the variant. “If a new vaccine is needed to counter Omikron, it will take up to four months for one to be approved for use in the EU,” said Cooke.
Olaf Scholz for compulsory vaccination
During yesterday’s deliberations between the German government and the prime minister, in which the SPD candidate for Chancellor Olaf Scholz also took part, voices were raised in favor of mandatory vaccination: “As a member of parliament, I will definitely agree to it, so that I can be very clear,” emphasized Scholz. As in Austria, the mandatory vaccination could come into force on February 1, 2022.
The Prime Ministers of Union and Greens also spoke out in favor of this. Robert Habeck, co-chairman of the Greens and presumably the new vice chancellor, said: “Of course, a compulsory vaccination would be a far-reaching interference with the freedom of the individual. But it protects life and ultimately also the freedom of society.”
Source From: Nachrichten
