On 2019, Covid-19 brought the events industry to a dead stop. After years of struggle and bankruptcies, the industry finally clawed its way back to normality.
Now, a new strain is cropping up in Hong Kong, China, California, Ohio, the UK, France and Germany. Australian virologist Laura Herrero reported that “in Australia, we’re seeing it pretty much everywhere”.
What is it, how dangerous is it, and what could it mean for events?
How dangerous is the new strain?
A new Covid-19 variant – NB.1.8.1 – has been identified in multiple regions, including China, the USA, UK and Europe. It is reportedly the main coronavirus strain in China and Hong Kong. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated it as a “variant under monitoring” due to its rapid spread.
Experts suggest that the new strain may be more transmissible than previous strains. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, told CBS News that NB.1.8.1 is associated with symptoms that are “broadly similar to those seen in earlier strains of the virus.”
She added that although not more lethal, the strain appears more contagious. “Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage,” Verma said. “In other words, it is more transmissible.”
Pedestrians walking with masks on Regent Street, London
What effect is NB.1.8.1 having?
Dr Amy Edwards, assistant professor of paediatrics at the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University (who specialises in infectious diseases), said that there is evidence this variant binds more tightly to human cells. She told CBS:
“What they’re seeing in China, Hong Kong and some other areas where this variant has really surged, is an increase in hospitalisation, but that seems to be more to do with just a standard summer surge that we’ve been seeing.” The data, however, is still rudimentary, she said.
What will this mean for events?
One of the most concerning factors for event organisers is the increased transmissibility. This raises issues for large gatherings.
So far, the US and Australian governments have issued responses. Other major states such as the UK, Germany and France have not released an official statement. Here is what Australia and the USA have said:
Australia
The new Covid variant is becoming dominant in Australia.
Griffith University virologist Lara Herrero told ABC: “The new strain is now the dominant coronavirus strain in China and Hong Kong and, in Australia, we’re seeing it pretty much everywhere.”
Griffith University estimates that NB.1.8.1 accounts for over 40% of Covid-19 cases in Victoria, around 25% in Western Australia and New South Wales, and approximately 20% in Queensland.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler encouraged “older Australians” to “get that booster” jab.
United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged the presence of the NB.1.8.1 variant in the US, detected primarily in airport screenings. The variant has not yet met the threshold for inclusion in the CDC’s variant estimates dashboard, but the agency reports it is in regular contact with international partners regarding the spread.
What should organisers do?
Hopefully, the risk will be minimal and governments won’t be forced to enact severe measures. It won’t hurt, however, to have a plan in place in case mild protection measures are introduced. PPE, hand sanitiser and medical advice are some of the factors to consider.
Ultimately, though, while we wait for more details to emerge, there’s not much organisers can do except plan and prepare. Worryingly, Dr Herrero in Australia stated that, “As the virus mutates, it gets a little sneakier and better at evading our immune response and antibodies.”
We will keep you updated with any news as it comes our way.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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