Molecular Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany
Updated statement of the German Society of Virology The second wave of rising COVID-19 disease in Europe is overshadowed by the discovery of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Initial sensitization to this issue was caused by a mutant that arose in Danish mink farms. Now, a variant first discovered in South Africa (B.1.351 or 501.V2 variant) and one discovered in England (B1.1.7 or variant of concern (VOC) 202012/01) are primarily attracting the attention of virologists and epidemiologists. The rapid discovery of the virus variants can be attributed to intensive molecular surveillance in the countries