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.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Europe wide
Some of French groups are threatening Friday to continue their journey to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and to meet up with drivers from other countries on Monday.
Belgian authorities joined French police in banning the threatened blockade. A similar lorry cavalcade was planned for Friday in Vienna but cancelled after authorities prohibited it.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
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