Global health officials Friday labelled a coronavirus variant that was first found in India a ‘variant of concern’.
Due to the reason that this variant of concern spreads more easily. Prime Minister Boris Johnson stresses that the situation needs careful handling.
The Public Health England designated this variant B.1.617.2, identified in India that has also spread to Britain as a variant of concern.
There is a surge testing going on in the areas where evidence indicates community spread.
As per the PHE data, cases of the B.1.617.2 variant of concern increased to 520 from 202 over the last week.
These are mainly in London and Bolton, with almost half of the cases related to contact with a traveller.
This Variant of Concern transmits quickly
There is evidence that it spreads more quickly than the original version of the virus. It could spread as quickly as the so-called ‘Kent’ variant which fuelled England’s second wave of infections.
However, the other characteristics of the B.1.617.2 variant are still under investigation. Moreover, the original India variant, B.1.617, was first detected in October. But PHE has categorised three different subtypes.
India is currently reeling under a deadly second coronavirus wave. The situation is getting worse with the shortage of oxygen and other essentials.
World nations are sending aid and other essential supplies to help India combat coronavirus.
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