New Variant Virus Discovered in Germany... Lockdown Measures Strengthened

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A previously unknown variant of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been discovered in Germany, prompting health authorities to go on high alert. The German government is reportedly planning to discuss strengthening lockdown measures, including the introduction of a nighttime curfew.

According to local media such as the German daily M?nchner Merkur on the 18th (local time), a previously unknown variant was found at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen hospital in Bavaria. Laboratory staff at the hospital reportedly detected irregularities in test samples. Dr. Christian Drosten's team, an infectious disease authority at Charit? Hospital in Berlin, is set to begin a detailed investigation into the variant soon.

The hospital stated, "Creating panic is neither serious nor appropriate," and explained, "The mere fact that a variant has emerged does not necessarily mean that the virus is more infectious."

So far, over 12,000 mutations have been identified worldwide in the COVID-19 virus genome. Variants have been reported in the UK, South Africa, the United States, Brazil, and others, with the variants from the UK and South Africa found to be more aggressive and infectious.

German health authorities are on high alert over concerns about the spread of the variant. The German government is reportedly planning to hold a joint meeting with the federal government and the 16 states on the 19th to discuss additional measures to strengthen lockdowns. Possible additional measures under consideration include a nighttime curfew, expanded remote work, and mandatory mask-wearing on public transportation and in essential stores such as supermarkets.

Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister, told the German daily Bild, "Lockdown measures may be extended for two weeks after the end of January and could be further strengthened." Earlier, on the 5th, at a meeting of the federal government and the 16 state governors chaired by Chancellor Angela Merkel, lockdown measures were tightened further, allowing private gatherings only with one person outside the same household and restricting movement within a 15 km radius in areas with rapid COVID-19 spread.