New Covid-19 variant triggers alert! Centre calls for strict screening for travellers from these countries
The B.1.1.529 variant has 50 mutations overall, including more than 30 on the spike protein alone.
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New Delhi, November 26: Following a scientist's concern over the new coronavirus variant that was detected in South Africa, the Centre has asked states to conduct rigorous screening and testing of all international travellers coming from and transiting through Botswana, South Africa, and Hong Kong.
The Centre has asked states to closely track and test the contacts of international travelers. While South Africa has reported six cases, Botswana has detected three cases of the new variant. One person was found to be infected in Hong Kong. The new variant has been identified as B.1.1.529.
"lt is therefore imperative that all international travellers travelling from and transiting through these countries (they are part of the "at-risk" country category of international travellers coming to India) and also including all other "at-risk" countries located in the revised guidelines for international arrivals issued by this ministry dated 11.11.2021 are subjected to rigorous screening and testing, as per Health Ministry guidelines," Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to all states and UTs on Thursday.
The Health Secretary also urged the states to ensure that samples of travellers turning positive are sent to INSACOG genome sequencing laboratories promptly as per the Ministry guidelines.
Besides, the state surveillance officers have also been asked to establish close coordination with their designated or tagged genome sequencing labs for expediting results of genomic analysis, to ensure necessary public health measures may be undertaken by the states and UTs in case presence of variants of concern is reported.
The new variant, identified as B.1.1.529, carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein, which plays a key role in the virus’ entry into cells in the body Researchers are still trying to determine whether it is more transmissible or more lethal than previous ones.
The WHO called a meeting today to discuss B.1.1.529 and decide if it will be officially designated a variant of interest or concern.
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