Thank you, Mr. Chair.
With regard to the variants, we note that SARS‑CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID‑19, continues to evolve. It is not really possible to predict how it will evolve in the short and long term.
We have however developed our genomics capacity and, together with our science experts and academics, we have a network to study the variants, to understand their potential impact as quickly as possible and, to advise our public health colleagues on the measures to be taken or planned.