Introduction:
All viruses, as well as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, lead modification over time. Most changes have very little to no impact on the virus’s properties. However, some changes could have an effect on its properties, like however simply it spreads, the associated malady severity, or the performance of vaccines, therapeutic medicines, and also diagnostic tools, or different public health and social measures.
WHO, together with partners, professional networks, national authorities, establishments and researchers are observing and assessing the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 since Jan 2020. Throughout late 2020, the emergence of variants that expose raised risk to international public health prompted the characterisation of specific Variants of Interest (VOIs) and Variants of Concern (VOCs), so as to grade international observance and analysis. And ultimately to tell the continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Note: Variants are considered to be the variant of interest if they are suspected of causing significant changes or have known mutations and are widely spreading (for example, the variant of interest that WHO will continue to monitor for high concerns). The variant of interest spreads more easily, causing more serious illness, avoids the body's immune response, altering clinical symptoms or known tools (treatment, vaccines, etc.) If it is known to change the effectiveness it is a variant of concern.)
WHO and its international networks of consultants have observation of changes to the virus so if important aminoalkanoic acid substitutions are known, will inform countries and therefore the public concerning any changes that will be required to reply, and prevent its spread. Globally, systems are established and are being reinforced to find “signals” of potential VOIs or VOCs and assess those,in order to support the danger posed to international public health. National authorities could also favor to designate alternative variants of native interest/concern.
Current methods and measures suggested by United Nations agency still work against virus variants known since the beginning of the pandemic. Proof from multiple countries with intensive transmission of VOCs has indicated that Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM), as well as Infection Hindrance and Management (IPC) measures, are effective in reducing COVID-19 cases, along with hospitalizations and deaths. National and native authorities are inspired to continue strengthening existing PHSM and IPC measures. Authorities also are inspired to strengthen police work and sequencing capacities and apply a scientific approach to supply a representative indication of the extent of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants supported the native context, and to find uncommon medical specialty events.
