Director of US Vaccine Development “No evidence of’strong transmission’ of mutant virus”

-The head of the US vaccine development project’Operation Warp Speed’ showed a cautious attitude in evaluating the risk of a novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) and a’mutant virus’ from the UK.

According to local media such as The Hill, a media outlet specializing in congress, Monsef Slawy, head of Warp Speed ​​operation, said at a briefing on the 21st (local time), “There is no convincing evidence that the (mutant) virus is actually more contagious scientifically.”

“The important point is that there is no evidence that this (mutant) virus is more pathogenic or causes more problems and has a higher mortality rate than the previous virus,” Slawi said.

He just warned of the potential hidden spread of the mutant virus, saying, “The (spread) seeds have been sown in the shade, and we are seeing a surge.” Earlier, he warned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use the day before. (EUA) One of the corona 19 vaccines has also been predicted to be effective against mutant viruses. Meanwhile, due to the outbreak of the mutant virus, more than 40 countries have announced suspension of flights to and from the UK. Major European countries such as France, Germany and Italy, as well as India, Russia, and Hong Kong have taken such measures.

In the U.S., New York Governor Andrew Cuomo asked the airline on the day to request a “corona 19 negative test before boarding” for passengers departing from the UK. Currently, some airlines are said to have accepted this.

[서울=뉴시스]