COVID-19 Delta variant gains ground in Italy - Health Institute

MILAN: The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is gaining ground in Italy, the National Health Institute (ISS) said on Friday, releasing data showing it accounted for some 22.7% of cases as of June 22.

In the previous such survey based on data from May 18, the Delta variant represented just 1% of cases. By contrast, the Alpha variant accounted for 57.8% of cases as of June 22 against a previous 88.1%. "In Italy, where the vaccination campaign has not yet achieved sufficient coverage, the spread of more transmissible variants may have a significant impact", the institute said.