The reproductive number of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is far higher compared to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus

The Delta variant is now replacing all other SARS-CoV-2 variants. We found a mean R-0 of 5.08, which is much higher than the R-0 of the ancestral strain of 2.79. Rapidly ramping up vaccine coverage rates while enhancing public health and social measures is now even more urgent and important.

Automated summary

The Delta variant is rapidly replacing other strains of SARS-CoV-2, with a higher R-0 value of 5.08 compared to the ancestral strain's 2.79. Increasing vaccine coverage and strengthening public health measures are now more urgent than ever to control the spread of the virus.