South Africa’s mutated COVID-19 strain detected in Greece for first time

·

Greek authorities have confirmed the first detection of the South African variant of the new coronavirus in the country, prompting top health officials to fly to the area where it was found for meetings on Sunday.

The minister leading the government response to the pandemic and the head of the country’s public health body met with doctors and the local bishop in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

The variant is believed to be more contagious than the original type and it was detected in a 36-year-old deacon in a suburb of the city.

“We will be doing screenings to isolate the persons who have been in contact with the patient,” said Panayiotis Arkoumaneas, head of the National Public Health Organisation.

There have also been 173 cases of people affected with a variant first detected in the UK, authorities said Sunday.

READ MORE: UK’s mutated COVID-19 strain detected in Greece as the lockdown is extended.

Authorities announced 484 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, as well as 17 deaths. The total number of confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic is 156,957, with 5,796 fatalities.

Experts warn there could be a resurgence in February and March and say the situation will remain volatile until a large number of vulnerable people are vaccinated.

“The virus is playing the drums and we are dancing to its beat,” said Nikos Sipsas, member of the state advisory committee on the pandemic.

Source: AP News.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Former Sydney teacher Bill Kafataris jailed for child sexual grooming

Bill Kafataris, 57, has been sentenced to two years in jail after being found guilty of sexually grooming a child following a retrial.

Oakleigh Grammar launches Term 4 with recognition, reflection, and a global vision

Oakleigh Grammar proudly welcomed the start of Term 4 with a meaningful commencement assembly, bringing the school community together.

Seventy-year-old Mike Zervos to run ‘against racism’ in Melbourne Marathon

Community leader Mike Zervos OAM will take part in this year’s Melbourne Marathon on October 12, running his 20th race at age 70.

Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosts Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos

The GOCNSW had the honour of hosting the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Ioannis-Michail Loverdos.

Betty Exintaris OAM takes helm of Greek Elderly Federation

Renowned community leader Betty Exintaris OAM has been elected president of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Victoria.

You May Also Like

Recent excavation of Antikythera wreckage uncovers second vessel

Recent excavations of the Roman cargo ship off the coast of Antikythera, has discovered new information about its past.

Tassos Evgeniou: The Greek Australian who has collected hundreds of signed football jerseys

Greek Australian Tassos Evgeniou has collected not one, not two, not three, but over 400 jerseys and autographs and it doesn't stop there.

Greece returns ancient coin hoard to Turkey in landmark repatriation

Greece has returned 1,055 ancient coins, including 61 silver staters, to Turkey after they were confiscated by Greek customs in 2019.