March 25, 2021

Andrew Campbell 

A group of 10 national laboratories administered under India’s Health Ministry, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG),  carried out genomic sequencing, a testing process to map the entire genetic code of an organism, on the coronavirus samples.  Among the latest 10,787 samples from 18 states, genomic sequencing showed up 771 cases of known variants which 736 of the UK mutation, 34 of the South African, and one Brazilian. Moreover, there is an astonishing fact that INSACOG has identified the double mutant variant.

The Covid-19 disease seems to surge across India continually. As of March 24, India reported 47,262 new cases of coronavirus infection, the highest spike since November 2020. In addition, coronavirus-related death tolls also increase 275, the most in recent months. At a press conference, the Union Health Ministry, Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, described that the recent surge in infection cases in Punjab and Maharashtra is a matter of grave concern. Secretary Bhushan also mentioned that Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are of concern too. Meanwhile, Gujarat has been reported 1,700 cases daily and Madhya Pradesh 1500 cases.

By far, the Health Ministry has not identified the double mutant variant that was relevant to the recent spike in coronavirus cases. The double mutant variant has not shown any sign of more contagious and deadly than the COVID-19 itself. Amid the rising number of COVID infection cases, many local cities and state governments have banned the public from Holi celebrations. Earlier the Uttar Pradesh government issued a set of guidelines to senior citizens and vulnerable groups to stay away from Holi celebrations. All processions or gatherings are required to apply for prior administrative permission.

Photo:Webshot.