Gorgas: so far the variant of the new coronavirus in Panama has not been discovered
The Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (Icges) reported that this institution is conducting analyzes to determine whether or not the SARS-CoV-2 variant - much more contagious - discovered in the United Kingdom is present or not in the country.
However, Gorgas announced that, to date, no findings of it has been reported.
Variant B.1.1.7 - now called VOC 202012/01 - was detected in November last year in the United Kingdom, after developing “probably” in September in the southeast of England, according to Imperial College London.
After spreading rapidly in that country, this variant was detected in dozens of other countries, from the United States to South Korea, through India, France and Denmark, the AFP agency said.
A variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was also found in South Africa. This variant - identified as 501.V2 - was detected in October and has been found in other countries such as France.
Several scientific studies, based mostly on model studies and not yet evaluated by other experts according to scientific protocol, conclude that the British variant is much more transmissible. The AFP agency reported that preliminary findings on the South African variant also show greater transmission, but less data is available.
Yesterday, Sunday, the Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre, announced that the Icges investigates two strains that are more contagious than the initial one, for which he urged the population to take care of themselves as much as possible and avoid all kinds of meetings, including family members.
The minister reiterated the message to the entire population to follow self-care measures to prevent contagion by Covid-19 - and also avoid sanctions - since Panama faces a very difficult situation due to the pandemic.
On Sunday, January 3, 2021, the epidemiological report on the situation of Covid-19 reported 1,972 new positive cases, for a cumulative of 253,736. According to the balance of the Minsa, the deaths total 4,140.
Variant B.1.1.7 - now called VOC 202012/01 - was detected in November last year in the United Kingdom, after developing “probably” in September in the southeast of England, according to Imperial College London.
After spreading rapidly in that country, this variant was detected in dozens of other countries, from the United States to South Korea, through India, France and Denmark, the AFP agency said.
A variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was also found in South Africa. This variant - identified as 501.V2 - was detected in October and has been found in other countries such as France.
Several scientific studies, based mostly on model studies and not yet evaluated by other experts according to scientific protocol, conclude that the British variant is much more transmissible. The AFP agency reported that preliminary findings on the South African variant also show greater transmission, but less data is available.
Yesterday, Sunday, the Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre, announced that the Icges investigates two strains that are more contagious than the initial one, for which he urged the population to take care of themselves as much as possible and avoid all kinds of meetings, including family members.
The minister reiterated the message to the entire population to follow self-care measures to prevent contagion by Covid-19 - and also avoid sanctions - since Panama faces a very difficult situation due to the pandemic.
On Sunday, January 3, 2021, the epidemiological report on the situation of Covid-19 reported 1,972 new positive cases, for a cumulative of 253,736. According to the balance of the Minsa, the deaths total 4,140.