Even as researchers across the world work overtime to understand evolution of the virus that causes the disease COVID-19, the new strain of the coronavirus has been detected in eight European countries, the regional director of WHO Europe said, adding that World Health Orgsation (WHO) is continuing to monitor the situation.

While emphasizing on the need to boost the protective measures, Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe said the new strain seems to be spreading among younger age groups, unlike the previous strains. His multiple tweets read:  “8 countries in the @WHO_Europe region have now identified the new COVID-19 variant VOC-202012/01. It is vital to strengthen existing protective measures: distancing/masks/staying in core support bubbles. WHO is continuing to monitor and will provide updates,”.

He added the new strain seems to be spreading among younger age groups, different from the previous strains. It is vital to strengthen existing protective measures like distancing/masks/staying in core support bubbles. WHO is continuing to monitor and will provide updates. The variant also seems to be spreading among younger age groups, unlike previous strains. Vigilance is important while research is ongoing to define its impact," Kluge said in multiple tweets.

Last week, the new strain of the coronavirus was firstly detected in the United Kingdom. As per the experts, this type of infection is more transmissible than other SARS-CoV-2 variants. Following the arrival of the new strain, several countries introduced new travel restrictions.

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