A new coronavirus threat in Denmark
“The key point that needs to be emphasised here is that human to human transmission is not rare with these types of viruses.”
A mutation of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been detected in mink in Denmark
What are the containment measures?
At least 12 people have been infected with this strain. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has ordered the culling of all 17 million farmed mink in the country, as well as the complete "closure" of an area of 280,000 inhabitants of north Jutland (mainland country).
Residents must be tested for the coronavirus and cannot leave the area. Public transport will be stopped and buses and trains prevented from entering or leaving North Jutland until December 3. Bars and restaurants are closed, as are museums, libraries, swimming pools and gymnasiums and universities.
Confirmed mutation: Human to animal and animal to human
Cases of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus from mink to humans have already been confirmed in other countries (Spain, USA, Sweden). In Denmark, at least 214 people have already been infected this summer with a coronavirus transmitted by mink and cases "exported" by infected people have been identified on the Danish island of Bornholmpar and even as far away as Croatia. There are few studies of coronavirus infections in animals. A few cases of infections have been confirmed in domestic animals (cats and dogs) that were most commonly infected by their sick owners as well as tigers at a US zoo.
Viruses keep mutating, but not all genetic mutations make a virus more dangerous
Sometimes the genetic code changes, but the properties of the virus do not change. Currently, there is no indication that this mutated virus strain is more pathogenic to humans than other circulating coronaviruses, and the 12 people infected have not shown more severe symptoms. However, the mutation could make several future coronavirus vaccines less effective. Indeed, many vaccines in development elicit an immune response directed against a small number of surface proteins of the virus. If just this part of the virus changes through a mutation, the "selective" immunity induced by the vaccine could theoretically be less effective. So far, 5 variant groups (clusters) of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in mink have been identified in Denmark (clusters1-5). Among these variants, 7 different mutations were observed in the “Spike” protein (tip) of the surface of the coronavirus.
Going to Denmark
The Danish region of North Jutland is virtually sealed off (municipalities of Laesø, Frederikshavn, Hjørring, Brønderslev, Jammerbugt, Thisted and Vesthimmerland). All travelers should follow proper hygiene and social distancing measures to avoid infection. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you have been exposed to the coronavirus while visiting this area or after contact with someone working in a mink farm, self-isolate immediately at home or in your hotel. . Do not go out and do not take any public transport (plane, bus, train, etc.). Call your GP or local health authorities to arrange a screening test.
Entry to the European Union countries
On October 21, 2020, the Council of the European Union recommended to the Member States to reimpose entry restrictions on passengers arriving from Canada. As this is only a recommendation, Member States make their own individual determination of who they allow to enter and under what conditions.
Should you decide to travel to the European Union despite these new restrictions and despite our global advisory, know that local authorities may deny you entry or impose additional entry requirements. Your travel plans could be severely disrupted. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
Special entry requirements could include:
entry bans, particularly for non-residents
quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel
Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel. Check with the diplomatic mission of the countries you plan on visiting and transiting through to know who they allow to enter and under what conditions.
Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice, making it difficult for you to return home.
Contact your airline or tour operator to confirm your travel plans
Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
