WHO: New COVID-19 Variant In UK Is Not Deadly

Photo illustrations (Ettienne Godiard / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that the presence of a new variant of COVID-19 that appeared in the UK is a normal part of the virus mutation. WHO also gave appreciation to the country which then imposed travel restrictions in the UK and South Africa. The efforts made are positive steps.

"We have to find a balance. It is very important to have transparency, it is very important to tell the public what it is, but it is also important to convey that this is a normal part of the evolution of the virus, "said WHO's chief of emergency, Mike Ryan, quoted by Reuters, Tuesday, December 22.

"Being able to track the virus this closely, with care, scientifically in real time is a real positive development for global public health, and a country undertaking this type of surveillance is to be commended," he added.

The WHO official also revealed that the new variant of COVID-19 could indeed spread easily. Even so, based on data held by the British government, the new variant of COVID-19 does not have a deadly trace.

For the steps of countries in the world who are alert to travel restrictions. The WHO official said it was a wise move. “That's wise. But it's also important for everyone to know that this is the case, this variant appears. "

Meanwhile, WHO assesses the mutation from COVID-19 so far is much slower than influenza. WHO also revealed that a vaccine developed to fight COVID-19 must also be able to handle new variants. Because of that, re-examination of the vaccine can deal with the problem of this new variant.

"So far, although we've seen a number of changes, a number of mutations, none of which have made a significant impact either on the susceptibility of the virus to current therapies, drugs or vaccines being developed and people hope that will continue," the Chief Scientist. WHO, Soumya Swaminathan said at the briefing.