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Coronavirus mutation in Switzerland since early December

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Coronavirus mutation in Switzerland since early December
A security staff wearing a protective face mask walks past a ski lift in the Alpine resort of Verbier, well known by British ski holiday makers, on December 22, 2020. Image: AFP

Wastewater studies have shown that the coronavirus mutation first detected in the United Kingdom has been present in Switzerland since the 9th of December.

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Samples from wastewater around Zurich, Lausanne and another “unspecified winter sports area” in Switzerland reports Austria’s Kronen Zeitung. 

Covid-19 in Switzerland: Mutated virus strain found in several cantons

The findings illustrate that despite the Swiss government’s effort to stop flights from the UK and to require quarantine for arrivals, the virus had already made its way to Switzerland. 

The ETH researchers looked at 48 wastewater samples from across the country. 

Previously, the first time the mutation of the virus had been detected in Switzerland was on the 24th of December. 

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What do we know about the mutation? 

Just before Christmas, a mutation of coronavirus first detected in Great Britain and South Africa led to flights being banned and new entry restrictions across Europe. 

The variant was first detected in Switzerland on Christmas Eve among two passengers who were UK residents and had recently arrived in Switzerland. 

READ: Everything we need to know about the coronavirus mutation in Switzerland 

On Sunday, January 3rd, Geneva health authorities said it was likely community transmission was already taking place in Switzerland. 

As of January 6th, there were an expected 28 cases of the variant in Switzerland. 

 

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