UPDATE 1-Denmark has not registered any new COVID-19 infections with mink-related mutation



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COPENHAGEN, Nov 13 (Reuters) – Denmark has recorded no new examples of humans infected with a so-called Cluster-5 mutated coronavirus strain derived from mink, Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said Friday.

Denmark last week ordered the culling of millions of mink after finding that the mutated virus, which infected 12 people in August and September, showed reduced sensitivity to antibodies, potentially reducing the effectiveness of future vaccines.

The country’s State Serum Institute (SSI), which deals with infectious diseases, said random checks showed no new cases of Cluster-5 in humans between October 12 and October 25.

The institute last week began genome sequencing of all positive coronavirus results recorded in northern Denmark, where most of the infected mink herds are located, in order to verify the mutation. More comprehensive results of these tests are expected next week, the SSI said.

Heunicke also said that restrictions on lockdowns in northern Denmark would be eased, allowing locals to cross municipal borders and reopen public transport. (Reported by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Tim Barsoe; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Kirsten Donovan)

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