The head of the WHO says it’s important to step up genomic sequencing worldwide to ensure that new variants of the coronavirus are detected as the pandemic enters its second year. New variants detected in Britain and South Africa appear to be more infectious.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday from Geneva that “only if countries are looking and testing effectively will you be able to pick up variants and adjust strategies to cope.”
Meanwhile, Britain reported 41,385 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, a daily record, as the rapidly spreading virus variant increases infection rates and the holiday weekend impacted the reporting of some new cases. There were 357 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test, the government’s Covid portal said.
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