L452R mutation variants spreading in Tokyo

Jul 01, 2021 | News On Japan

Jul 01, 2021 (NHK) - Coronavirus variants with the L452R mutation that were first detected in India are spreading at a fast pace in Tokyo.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Wednesday confirmed 55 new cases of variants with the mutation. The daily figure is the second largest for infections by such variants and brings the total number of such cases in Japan's capital to 349.

Variants involving the mutation were found for the first time in Tokyo on April 20. The number of cases exceeded 300 in 72 days.

Meanwhile, cases involving variants with the N501Y mutation that were first identified in Britain reached the 300 mark about 80 days after being first found in Tokyo in January.

Cases of variants carrying the mutation topped 1,000 nine days after passing 300.

Experts of the metropolitan government say L452R mutation variants are reportedly more transmissible than the N501Y type. They add that in light of situations overseas, L452R variants may quickly replace the N501Y type.

As L452R cases increase, the total number of coronavirus infections in Tokyo is also rising.

The metropolitan government on Wednesday confirmed 714 new cases of the coronavirus, up 95 from a week earlier. This is the first time since May 26 that the daily tally has topped 700. The average for the seven-day period ending Wednesday stood at 508.4. The average has been on the rise since June 20.

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