A SARS-CoV-2 variant belonging to Pango lineage B.1.1.529, with a high number of S-gene mutations compared to the original virus was detected at the beginning of November 2021. On 26 November 2021 the variant was designated a variant of concern (VOC) and assigned the label Omicron by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This Rapid Risk Assessment assesses the risk posed by the circulation of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 between 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022, based on modelling scenarios and projected levels of vaccination coverage.
The risk assessed in this update is as follows: based on current levels of vaccination coverage and the dominance of the Delta variant in the EU/EEA, what risk does SARS-CoV-2 pose to the general population and the vulnerable population in the coming months?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries have caused significant morbidity and mortality since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of this threat assessment brief is to assess potential public health implications of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of concern for the EU/EEA.
The aim of this Threat Assessment Brief is to assess potential public health implications of B.1.617 variants for EU/EEA countries, with a focus on lineage B.1.617.2.
On 24 May, ECDC upgraded B.1.617.2 to a variant of concern, after new information became available on increased transmissibility and some impact on vaccine effectiveness, especially after one vaccine dose. The suggestions highlighted in the Threat Assessment Brief regarding options for response remain valid, particularly vaccination rollout as a high priority to reduce COVID-19 mortality by vaccinating those at risk of severe illness in the shortest time possible.
This Threat Assessment Brief considers the risk of infection related to avian influenza A(H5N8) virus to the general population and the occupationally exposed.
This risk assessment provides an overall update on the COVID-19 situation in the EU/EEA, including latest data on the situation with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern covered by previous targeted risk assessments.
This risk assessment presents the latest available information on the recent emergence of three variants of concern, VOC 202012/01 identified in the United Kingdom (UK), 501Y.V2 identified in South Africa, and P.1 identified in Brazil and Japan.