Swiss scientists claim coronavirus breakthrough, World Bank pledges $12bn coronavirus aid package
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Researchers at the University of Bern have perfected a technique to produce synthetic clones of the new coronavirus strain much faster.
The method should allow researchers to deactivate individual genes of the Covid-19 virus and to study the effects. This should enable scientists to identify the genes needed to replicate the virus and which would be a promising target for drugs, Volker Thiel of the university virology and immunology laboratory told Swiss public television, SRF, on Monday evening.
Thiel added that the team were receiving numerous requests for virus clones.
His team had received samples of the first people infected by the new coronavirus in Germany in early February. The samples are currently being analysed at a laboratory in Mittelhäusern, canton Bern, one of the few facilities in the world able to carry out such research.
Scientists say much remains unknown about the virus, which can lead to pneumonia, and a vaccine could take up to 18 months to develop.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has announced an initial $12bn in funds to assist countries struggling with the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread quickly from China to some 80 countries.
World Bank President David Malpass said there were still “many unknowns” about the fast-spreading virus and “much more” aid might be required, but he declined to elaborate. The announcement underscored escalating concern about the economic and human impact of the virus.
