A completely new mutation of the coronavirus has appeared in Finland. Whether the variant with the name Fin-796H is more dangerous or more contagious than other mutations remains to be researched. However, the researching doctors reported that the new mutated virus is not recognized as well by PCR tests as previously known variants.
This is a significant discovery, said virologist Olli Vapalahti to the Finnish broadcaster YLE. Few details were available about other properties of Fin-796H other than that it had certain mutational characteristics that were also found in the British and South African variants. Now the family tree of the new mutation must first be clarified.
Another virologist from the University of Turku, Ilkka Julkunen, sees no cause for concern for the time being. „We have no definite evidence that this new strain would be more contagious or have any effect on the immunity of people who have survived illness or on vaccination protection,“ Julkunen said in the report published on Wednesday evening. The Finnish Institute for Health and Wellbeing (THL) has announced that it will comment on the new discovery later in the day.
