Jena: Corona mutations B.1.1.7 detected for the first time in Thuringia

The new variant B.1.1.7 of the SARS-CoV-2 virus originating in Great Britain has occurred in a family from Jena. The Health Service received this information directly from the Robert Koch Institute on the evening of January 27, 2021. The sequence was identified there from a laboratory sample.

The infection and home isolation occurred several days ago. No member of the family had traveled. The origin of the infection must therefore be within Jena. It must therefore be assumed that other people have also been infected with the new variant of the virus.

On Thursday, the situation was discussed with the Thuringian Minister of Health Heike Werner, Jena's Mayor Thomas Nitzsche, the crisis team and the public health department. It was agreed that members of the family and their entourage would be tested again. In close coordination with the RKI, recommendations and information on how to deal with the new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus will also be sent to the Thuringian authorities on an ongoing basis.

In this context, the state of Thuringia and the city of Jena call on everyone to strictly adhere to the corona rules. It is particularly important to wear medical mouth and nose protection or FFP2 masks on public transport and when shopping. The worrying news from other countries and now also German cities shows that extreme caution is required despite falling incidence figures. The opening of playgrounds planned for the weekend must also be closely monitored in light of the new situation.