New Omicron variant detected in Delhi; to be officially confirmed
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New Delhi: Amid worrying reports of a surge in Covid cases in Delhi, the state's health department has detected the presence of the new variant of Omicron, BA.2.12.1. The sample was found to be abnormal during a genomic sequencing test conducted on Thursday.
The presence of the new variant is yet to be officially confirmed, and reports quote Delhi's health department as saying that the sample was sent to INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics), the apex authority to study and monitor genome sequencing and virus variation of circulating strains of COVID-19 in the country, for detailed examination. On receipt of the result from there, a final confirmation will be made of the new variant.
Authorities have also collected samples of those in contact with the infected persons. Health officials said they were monitoring the situation. The health department has advised people to be vigilant.
Meanwhile, Delhi confirmed the Covid infection of 965 more people in the national capital, Delhi, on Thursday. One person who was being treated died. On Wednesday, 1,009 people hadd been diagnosed with the disease and one died. Wednesday's the highest level since February 10.
The Centre had yesterday directed the state governments to strengthen preventive measures in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana and Mizoram in the wake of the outbreak. It is also suggested to increase the use of the mask.
The directive for alert calls for monitoring clusters in high-risk areas, expanding genome sequencing, and monitoring acute acute respiratory illnesses and influenza cases in hospitals.
