The delta variant – first identified in India, could account for 90 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the European Union in the coming months, according to a report. The ECDC has said that the delta variant of COVID-19 will circulate extensively across Europe by August-end.
In a statement, Andrea Ammon, director of the ECDC said, "It is very likely that the Delta variant will circulate extensively during the summer, particularly among younger individuals that are not targeted for vaccination. The Delta variant is more transmissible than other circulating variants. We estimate that by the end of August it will represent 90 percent" of new cases in the EU."
In its latest assessment report, the ECDC said on Wednesday "70 percent of new SARS-CoV-2 infections are projected to be due to this variant in the EU/EEA by early August. 90 percent of infections by the end of August".
ECDC director further said, "At this stage, it becomes crucial that the second vaccination dose administered within the minimum authorised interval from the first dose, to speed up the rate at which vulnerable individuals become protected. Any relaxation over the summer months of the stringency of non-pharmaceutical measures – in place in the EU/EEA in early June could lead to a fast and significant increase in daily cases in all age groups."
This delta plus variant (AY.1) derived from the mutation of the B.1.617.2 variant – first detected in India. According to the WHO, the Delta variant has spread across 85 countries so far. Meanwhile, the Delta Plus variant reported so far in 9 countries including India.