The English variant (B.1.1.7) and the New York variant (B.1.526) contain mutations related to increased transmissibility which means a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases.
Scientific evidence indicates that the English variant may be associated with a higher risk of death than pre-existing variants and that it may circumvent both natural and vaccine-induced immunity, i.e. we could have cases of reinfection since a previous infection with pre-existing variants does not imply that we are completely protected from these new variants.
To date, 6 genomes belonging to the English variant have been reported in Ecuador, which belonged to imported cases. The Research Center of the Espiritu Santo University has been conducting the Genomic Surveillance of the virus during the last months in charge of the scientists Dr. Derly Andrade Molina and Dr. Juan Carlos Fernandez and have just reported worrying results by finding that the English and New York variants are circulating in the province of Guayas since February 2021.
Of 22 samples of SARS-CoV-2 sequenced, 20 % correspond to the English variant and 10 % to the New York variant, being also cases of community transmission. These results should alert the local population, being imperative the constant use of masks, maintaining social distance, avoiding meetings and washing hands frequently.
Adequate public health measures and acceleration in the vaccination process is essential to reduce the risk of generation and spread of new variants that can circumvent the immune system of even vaccinated individuals.
