The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is more transmissible than other circulating variants and it will represent 90% of all SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in the EU by the end of August, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said.

According to the ECDC, the Delta variant is 40-60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant and it may be associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation.

Furthermore, evidence suggests that those who have only received their first dose of a two-dose vaccination course, are less well protected against this variant, irrespective of the vaccine used.

However, full vaccination offers high protection against it, the ECDC noted.

“Based on the estimated transmission advantage of the Delta variant and using modelling forecasts, 70% of new SARS-CoV-2 infections are projected to be due to this variant in the EU/EEA by early August and 90% of infections by the end of August,” the ECDC stated in a threat assessment brief.

According to ECDC director, Dr Andrea Ammon, there are still too many people at risk of severe Covid infection.

“The good news is that having received two doses of any of the currently available vaccines provides high protection against this variant and its consequences. However, about 30% of individuals older than 80 years and about 40% of individuals older than 60 years have not yet received a full vaccination course in the EU.

“Until most of the vulnerable individuals are protected, we need to keep the circulation of the Delta variant low by strictly adhering to public health measures, which worked for controlling the impact of other variants,” she commented.

She said that it is essential that the vaccine roll-out continues “at a very high pace”.

“At this stage, it becomes crucial that the second vaccination dose is administered within the minimum authorised interval from the first dose, to speed up the rate at which vulnerable individuals become protected.

“I am aware that it requires a significant effort from public health authorities and society at large to achieve this goal, but now is the time to walk the extra mile. We have several safe and effective vaccines available and every single infection prevented now through our compliance with public health measures, is a life that can be saved by vaccination,” Dr Ammon added.

THE ECDC’s threat assessment brief on the Delta variant can be viewed here.