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This report assesses SARS-CoV-2 circulation, variants of concern, non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccine rollout in the EU/EEA.

Several SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified. Some of these variants have mutations that (alone or in combination) may provide the virus with a selective advantage, such as increased transmissibility or the ability to evade the host immune response, or cause possible changes in pathogenicity, thus increasing disease severity.

The aim of this Threat Assessment Brief is to assess potential public health implications of B.1.617 variants for EU/EEA countries, with a focus on lineage B.1.617.2.

On 24 May, ECDC upgraded B.1.617.2 to a variant of concern, after new information became available on increased transmissibility and some impact on vaccine effectiveness, especially after one vaccine dose. The suggestions highlighted in the Threat Assessment Brief regarding options for response remain valid, particularly vaccination rollout as a high priority to reduce COVID-19 mortality by vaccinating those at risk of severe illness in the shortest time possible.

This technical guidance provides guidance to laboratories, microbiology experts and relevant stakeholders in making decisions on establishing or scaling up capability and capacity to detect and identify circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, and in making decisions on which technologies to use and for which objective.