France is seeing several new mutant strains of Covid-19 that appear more contagious but less dangerous than the original strain, according to one of the country’s leading research hospitals into infectious diseases.
The strains, identified by experts at IHU Mediterranée Infection in Marseilles, could help explain why a recent surge in reported cases in France, as well as elsewhere in Europe, has not so far not led to an equally sharp rise in admissions to hospital.
In testimony last week to the French senate, Didier Raoult, the hospital’s head, said analysis of Covid-19 tests in the summer had revealed seven mutations of the virus. One appeared to have been brought to the city by people crossing from north Africa after ferry links were restored in