AY.1 or #DeltaPlus, a new variant of the coronavirus, has been categorized as a "Variant of Concern" by the Indian government, reports said, leveling up from its previous status as a "Variant of Interest." What does it mean for you? #VariantofConcern
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A #VariantofConcern shows some of the following traits: 1) An increase in transmissibility. 2) An increase in virulence. 3) Detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology. 4) A reduction in the effectiveness of public health measures, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.
Worryingly, more than 40 cases of #DeltaPlus have been identified in India through genome sequencing. Of them, 21 are from Maharashtra, six from Madhya Pradesh, three from Kerala, three from Tamil Nadu, two from Karnataka, and one each from Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu.
INSACOG, a consortium involved in genome sequencing in India, said this variant has three dangerous characteristics - increased transmissibility, stronger binding in receptors of lung cells, and potential resistance to the monoclonal antibody treatment.
Further, the Delta Plus variant could possibly evade immunity generated from vaccination as well as prior COVID-19 infection, said Prof. Shahid Jameel, a top virologist and a former member of the Indian government's Consortium on Genomics.
Hence, on Tuesday, the central govt has issued an advisory to Maharashtra, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh in this regard. Officials in the states have been asked to start immediate measures on preventing gatherings; conduct widespread testing; rapid tracing; and faster vaccinations.
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