Flights from the United Kingdom to European nations halted due to escalating COVID-19 cases
The more infectious UK variant of the coronavirus, known as the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), has been detected in multiple countries outside the UK, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, and Australia. This development has prompted emergency anti-crisis meetings and travel restrictions across Europe.
The Alpha variant was first identified in the UK in September and is characterized by several key mutations in the spike (S) protein, which plays a critical role in viral entry into human cells. Notable mutations include the N501Y, a change in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein that increases binding affinity to the ACE2 receptor, enhancing infectivity. Another significant mutation is the Δ69-70 deletion in the spike protein N-terminal domain (NTD), which may contribute to immune evasion and diagnostic detection changes.
The Alpha variant is estimated to be about 70% more transmissible than previous strains circulating in the UK at the time of its discovery in late 2020. This increased transmissibility is due to enhanced viral binding to host cells and potential immune evasion.
On Monday, the EU Council, chaired by Germany, will hold an emergency anti-crisis meeting in Brussels to discuss the spread of the Alpha variant. In response to its spread in the UK, the lockdown and Christmas relaxations were cancelled, affecting 20 million people in the UK.
The French government has implemented a 48-hour ban on transport as a measure to coordinate actions among EU countries and prepare for resuming passenger traffic. Many residents of European countries who were in the UK on Sunday tried to book tickets on the last train due to the unexpected restrictions.
In the UK, the government has announced a lockdown in the British capital and southeast England, and residents are leaving the city in large numbers. On Sunday, the UK reported a record 35,900 new coronavirus cases in a single day.
The mutated variant has been spreading in the UK since mid-November, as stated by England's National Health Service. Later variants such as Omicron feature multiple new mutations but are distinct from the Alpha variant. More recent mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein clusters affecting infectivity and immune evasion are tracked in studies through 2025, showing ongoing viral evolution with a dynamic mutation pattern mainly in the spike protein's RBD and NTD domains.
Several EU countries, including Germany and France, have announced the suspension of transport links with the United Kingdom. The 48-hour ban on transport links between the EU and the UK is intended to provide time for coordination among EU countries and the preparation of measures for resuming passenger traffic.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to follow public health guidelines and stay informed about the latest developments in the fight against the coronavirus.
- Due to the heightened transmissibility of the Alpha variant of the coronavirus, government authorities in the EU are taking drastic measures, like canceling travel links and holding emergency meetings, to prevent its further spread, with an impending anti-crisis meeting scheduled by the EU Council in Brussels.
- In the realm of science, ongoing studies track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with the Alpha variant being a significant focus, particularly in terms of understanding the impact of its key mutations like N501Y and Δ69-70 deletion on medical-conditions like infectivity and immune evasion. In this context, health-and-wellness remain a critical consideration as the world navigates the pandemic.
