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While the threat posed by the B.1.617.x variant has yet to be quantified, anecdotal reports from India and elsewhere have led the UK and the World Health Organization to label it a VOC (Variant of Concern), and we've seen some fairly aggressive steps taken by countries where the variant has been detected (see Singapore Reimposes COVID Restrictions Following Uptick In Community Cases).
From WDR - a German broadcaster serving North Rhine-Westphalia - we get the gist of the story, which as now been picked up several news services, including the Associated Press.Overnight, German media sources are reporting that nearly 200 residents of two high-rise apartment buildings in Velbert have been put under home quarantine following the detection of a cluster of B.1.617 variant infections in the complex.
Indian corona mutation: Almost 200 Velbert residents in quarantine
In Velbert-Birth, all around 200 residents from two high-rise buildings were quarantined. The Indian corona mutation was detected in one family.
After a total of 19 people tested positive for Corona, the health department decided to test all of the 189 residents - including the Indian variety. They are now under quarantine for the time being and are not allowed to leave their apartments.
While not common, this isn't the first detection of B.1.617.x in Germany. This does, however, illustrate how seriously public health officials take the detection of the B.1.617.x VOC.
The local health department (https://www.kreis-mettmann-corona.de/) hasn't posted an update, or any other information, as of this writing.
While all 189 residents are being tested, for now all of the B.1.617.x cases have reportedly been limited to a single family. Hopefully we'll get an update later today.
