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15 Feb 2023, 14:57

Coronavirus variant XBB.1.5 to dominate in Europe in near future — EMA

Marco Cavaleri noted that the epidemiological situation in Europe is constantly improving

THE HAGUE, February 15. /TASS/. The coronavirus subvariant XBB.1.5 will become dominant in the EU in the coming weeks, Head of Health Threats and Vaccines Strategy at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Marco Cavaleri said at a briefing on Wednesday.

"The good news is that the epidemiological situation in Europe is constantly improving," he noted explaining that a significant decline was being observed overall in the number of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths.

"Furthermore, the surveillance data show that the subvariant called XBB.1.5 is currently spreading very rapidly. Currently, XBB.1.5 is present in the EU at low levels, however, it is expected it will become dominant in the EU in the next weeks," he stressed. "It is important to not let our guard down as the virus continues to evolve," the specialist added.