Coronavirus: British variant most prevalent in Limassol

The British variant of Covid-19, B.1.1.7 has been detected in 45 of 78 samples sent from Cyprus to the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) between January and March 6, and 44 of those were from Limassol, the health ministry announced on Thursday.

The 45th case positive for the British variant had come from Paphos.

On Thursday the ministry said the international community has found that the British mutation is more aggressive, with a transmission rate that is 60 per cent higher “and in many cases, is responsible for the increase in cases within the community”.

The health ministry outlined details of the sampling, saying that 18 samples and sent to the ECDC in the last week of December came back with a zero presence of B.1.1.7.

Sixteen samples taken between February 1-15 and sent to the ECDC came back with a 31.24 per cent incidence of the variant ie five cases.

Samples taken and sent between February 15 – March 6, a total of 44, came back with a 91 per cent positive rate for the British variant ie 40 cases.

“Virus mutations are of great concern in all European countries, with the ECDC recommendations focusing on intensifying measures to detect it by utilising mass controls, strict surveillance at entry and contact tracing,” the ministry said.