Brazilian COVID-19 mutation reaches Canada

World

Published: 2021-02-08 09:50

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 23:30


Brazilian COVID-19 mutation reaches Canada
Brazilian COVID-19  mutation reaches Canada

Sunday evening, Canadian health authorities announced that the mutated Brazilian coronavirus has been detected in Canada's capital, Toronto.

In statements, the authorities said that the mutated infection was discovered in a Toronto resident who had recently traveled to Brazil, and is now in hospital, according to AFP.

This strain was also detected in Europe, including Germany, France, and Spain, as well as in Colombia, and the United States.

The authorities noted that the Ontario Public Health Organization has strengthened its ability to examine all positive COVID-19 PCR tests for mutations as part of a government plan to address the emergence of these strains. Among them is the mandatory testing of all international travelers at airports.

The statement indicated that research is underway to find out more about these strains and the extent of their ease of transmission and the effectiveness of the current vaccines available against them.

Additionally, the health authorities in Toronto previously announced the detection of the first infection with the mutated South African version of the virus, which they said is also a source of "concern."

They explained that the South African COVID-19 was discovered in an individual who had not traveled recently and had no apparent contact with any travelers.

The mutated viruses that were discovered in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil raised concerns for weeks in the international community, which raised questions about the severity of these variants and whether existing vaccines are effective against them.

Monday morning, Canada recorded more than 804,260 cases of coronavirus and 20,767 deaths in a population of around 38 million.


Also Read: Our vaccines provide limited protection against mutated South African COVID-19: AstraZeneca