As things were getting better in the country a new and advanced variant has created havoc among the administration. The Delta variant, which has further mutated into another strain called Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1 strain) has been reported from three states.
The Delta plus variant is also being called B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1 strain. The most noticeable one is the fact that the new strain is resistant to the monoclonal antibodies cocktail.
Health Minister Rajesh Tope informed that at least 21 samples genome sequenced in Maharashtra are of the Delta plus variant but its proportion is less than one per cent of total Covid-19 positive samples sequenced from the state since May. Of the 21 cases, nine were found in Ratnagiri, seven in Jalgaon, two in Mumbai and one each in Palghar, Sindhudurg and Thane.
health minister Rajesh Tope informed “Maharashtra has taken a decision regarding genomic sequencing and started the process of taking 100 samples from each district and CSIR and IGIB have been involved in this important process. NCDC is also cooperating. Since May 15, 7,500 samples have been taken and squeezed. In which about 21 cases of Delta Plus have been foundâ€.
While there is no cause of concern, experts said, the variant has to be watched out for if it is spreading among the people. NITI Aayog Member (Health) V K Paul had said “This is a variant of interest that has not yet been classified as a variant of concern. A variant of concern is in which we have understood that there are adverse consequences to humanity by an increase in transmissibility and severity. This is not known yet about the Delta plus variantâ€.
