The discovery of new strains of SARS-CoV-2 poses a real concern to the entire world

The discovery of new strains of SARS-CoV-2 poses a real concern to the entire world, since they hinder the fight against the pandemic that has already caused more than 96 million infections and two million deaths, according to the latest reports.

The World Health Organization, the WHO, reports that the new type of coronavirus discovered in the United Kingdom, much more contagious than the original, has already reached 60 countries, ten more than the previous week.

This new type is largely responsible for the outbreak occurring in most European countries, what led to the implementation of strict containment measures to contain the disease.

British authorities noted on Tuesday that a new fatality record in that territory -- 1,610 in just 24 hours, -- and the sanitary system is still at risk of collapsing due to the high number of people requiring medical assistance.

The situation is also serious in Portugal, the country with a higher incidence rate in the world, which last week registered 70,000 cases.

In France, the National Institute of Statistics reported that due to the pandemic there was a 6 months decrease in the life expectancy parameters of the male population and a 5 months decrease for females.

According to the WHO, the South African variant of the covid-19 virus, which, like the British one, multiplies more rapidly, has spread less, and yet, it has already been detected in 23 countries and territories.

On our continent, the most dramatic situation is taking place in Manaus, Brazil, with the new strain discovered in the country.  The capacity of local health authorities to deal with the outbreak was quickly overwhelmed, especially when it comes to oxygen reserves, which is vital to keep many sick people alive.

In a short time, the consumption of oxygen went from 5,000 cubic meters per day to 76, 000.  They have sent messages asking for help and Venezuela answered by sending a shipment to alleviate the crisis.

The criticism towards president Jair Bolsonaro has grown in that city, and with it the demands for his resignation.  He’s being accused of showing indifference to the emergency caused by the disease.

There is still a long way to go to control this pandemic that exhibits the best and also the worst of humankind, incapable of uniting to face a common enemy.