‘Mutation is natural, but stricter measures are necessary’

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Prof. Selda Erensoy, the Chair of Medical Virology Department of Ege University Faculty of Medicine, has spoken to the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) about the new variant of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which encompasses various mutations of the virus. 

Erensoy has noted that the mutation of viruses, especially that of RNA viruses, is something expected by scientists and added:

"In fact, mutation means changes that come up in our genetic structure during the cell reproduction. Conducting studies in the United Kingdom (UK), scientists also took samples from the places where the virus was spreading fast and detected mutations especially in the viruses there.

"It is found that while the virus spreads from one person to four people on average, the infection rate is faster and more widespread in these regions."

'Mobility of people must be reduced'

According to Erensoy, the higher the infection rate of the virus gets, the higher the probability of mutation will become. For this reason, Erensoy has warned that the strict measures must be kept in place and the reproduction rate of the virus must be reduced. She has put a particular emphasis on reducing the mobility of citizens in this process:

"As viruses need host cells of humans and other living beings to attach to and reproduce, it is important to reduce the mobility of people.

"The mutation of viruses is already something expected, but it needs to be well observed, with its effects taken into consideration.

"We need measures, not fear. Our citizens should follow the measures more strictly rather than feeling fear or panic.

'Measures must be taken before panicking'

"People should not panic. If the infection rate remains as it is, if measures are not observed and necessary measures are not taken, then the increase in the mutation rate will be concerning. People should not come together, especially in closed places. They should be careful about this."

'Vaccine is important for immunity of society'

Concluding her remarks, Erensoy has also referred to the importance of ongoing COVID-19 vaccine research.

She has underlined that there are no studies showing that the vaccine is not effective. "We will evaluate its efficacy in time, but a number of measures must be simultaneously in effect, especially for the time being," she has noted and added: "Getting vaccinated is important to have a social immunity. We need time. Vaccination is necessary to suppress the virus."

About the new strain of COVID-19

Scientists have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be linked to the faster spread of COVID-19 in the South of England. The new strain has been named 'VUI – 202012/01' as it is the first variant under investigation in December. (PT/SD)