Ireland has detected its first cases involving the new coronavirus variant of concern that has already begun spreading in the neighbouring UK.
Irish authorities said that cases of the BA.4 variant were detected earlier this month and identified after whole-genome sequencing of a sample of confirmed cases on May 7.
BA.4 is a new sub-strand of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus strain.
Analysis of available data by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests that BA.4 and BA.5, another variant of concern currently spreading, are expected to have a “growth advantage” over Omicron BA.2, which is now the dominant variant.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has labelled the two new strands as variants of interest while the UK has labelled them variants of concern.
As of May 20, the UK had recorded 115 cases of probable or confirmed BA.4, with 67 in England, 41 in Scotland, six in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
A further 80 cases of BA.5 were identified, with 48 in England, 25 in Scotland, six in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.
“Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible,” said Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA director of clinical and emerging infections.
However, initial findings suggest BA.4 and BA.5 have a degree of “immune escape” — meaning the immune system can no longer recognise or fight a virus — which is expected to contribute to their growth advantage over BA.2, the UKHSA said.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said the variants could lead to a significant rise in cases of Covid-19 in the EU in the coming weeks and months.
While there is no indication that it is more severe, it could evade protections provided by vaccines and or past infection.
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer to Ireland's health minister, said that while authorities will continue to monitor developments with emerging variants in the coming weeks, the situation in the country had a “broadly positive outlook”, RTE reported.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Honeymoonish
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Results
UAE beat Nigeria by five wickets
Hong Kong beat Canada by 32 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – Ireland v Jersey
7.30pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Canada v Oman
AWARDS
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Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays
4.5/5
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
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How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
