Sub-variants of Covid-19 spreading in China, can infect vaccinated people, Europe under threat

LONDON: While the world countries are returning to normalcy from the fear of Covid-19, the situation in China, where the disease originated, is not comforting at all. The sub-variants of Omicron, BF.7 and BA 5.1.7, are spreading rapidly in many provinces of China. The number of cases affected by both these sub-variants is rising sharply. Cases infected with BA 5.1.7 virus are mostly reported. BF.7 cases were detected in Shogun and Yantai cities in China. It is spreading to more places.

BF.7 and BA 5.1.7 variants are believed to be capable of causing re-infection in vaccinated and previously Covid infected individuals. Meanwhile, experts are not ready to deny the effectiveness of vaccines. China is still following a zero-tolerance policy in its fight against Covid-19 and has closed schools and entertainment venues in cities including Shanghai and Shenzhen. Covid tests have also been made mandatory.

Europe under threat

As the winter season is about to start, the rise of Covid-19 cases in European countries has also become a challenge. Last week, the total number of cases in the European Union has reached 1.5 million. It has increased by eight per cent from the previous week. There is also a huge increase in the number of people admitted to hospitals in European countries including Britain.