Background Recent studies have identified important social inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 infections and related COVID-19 outcomes in the Belgian population. The aim of our study was to investigate the sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in Belgium.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the uptake of a first COVID-19 vaccine dose among 5 342 110 adults (≥18 years) in Belgium on 31 August 2021. We integrated data from four national data sources: the Belgian vaccine register (vaccination status), COVID-19 Healthdata (laboratory test results), DEMOBEL (sociodemographic/socioeconomic data) and the Common Base Register for HealthCare Actors (individuals licensed to practice a healthcare profession in Belgium). We used multivariable logistic regression analysis for identifying characteristics associated with not having obtained a first COVID-19 vaccine dose in Belgium and for each of its three regions (Flanders, Br
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LONDON (Reuters) - A new variant of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Britain and prompting high levels of concern among its European neighbours, some of which have cut transport links.
The strain, referred to by some experts as the B.1.1.7 lineage, is not the first new variant of the pandemic virus to emerge, but is said to be up to 70% more transmissible than the previously dominant strain in the United Kingdom.
ARE THE CONCERNS JUSTIFIED?
Most scientists say yes. The new variant has rapidly become the dominant strain in cases of COVID-19 in parts of southern England, and has been linked to an increase in hospitalization rates, especially in London and in the adjacent county of Kent.
But why is it ‘extremely concerning’?
The main worry is that the variant is significantly more transmissible than the original strain. It has 23 mutations in its genetic code a relatively high number of changes and some of these are affecting its ability to spread.
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Scientists say it is about 40%-70% more transmissible. The U.K. government said on Saturday it could increase the reproduction R rate by 0.4.
This means it is spreading faster in Britain, making the pandemic there yet harder to control and increasing the risk it will also spread swiftly in other countries.
“The new B.1.1.7 . still appears to have all the human lethality that the original had, but with an increased ability to transmit, said Martin Hibberd, professor of emerging infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
A new variant of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Britain and prompting high levels of concern among its European neighbours, some of which have cut transport links. The strain, referred to by some experts as the B.1.1.7 lineage, is not the first new variant of the pandemic virus to emerge, but is said to be up to 70% more transmissible than the previously dominant strain in the United Kingdom.
ARE THE CONCERNS JUSTIFIED? Most scientists say yes. The new variant has rapidly become the dominant strain in cases of Covid-19 in parts of southern England, and has been linked to an increase in hospitalization rates, especially in London and in the adjacent county of Kent.
Scientists say a new coronavirus variant spreading in Britain is ‘extremely concerning’
Updated Dec 21, 2020;
Posted Dec 21, 2020
A man with a protective face mask passes taped off benches that should help people to keep their social distance during the coronavirus lockdown in London, Friday, April 17, 2020. A new strain of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was detected in Britain in September, 2020 and is spreading rapidly, prompting high levels of concern among its European neighbors. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)AP
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According to a report by Reuters, Britain is seeing the rapid spread of a new variant of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, “referred to by some experts as the B.1.1.7 lineage.”