New Covid-19 variant: No need to panic but keep close watch, says TIGS Director
New Delhi, April 2: With several reports citing the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant which is said to be more transmissible than the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron, the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society has urged citizens of the country not to panic and closely monitor the development of the variant.
The mutant of the novel Coronavirus known as XE which is more transmissible than the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron was detected for the first time in January.
Speaking about the virus, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) Director Rakesh Mishra stated, "The new mutant XE emerged for the first time in mid-January, but I believe that there is no need to push a 'panic button'. So far, only 600 cases have been reported across the world. But we need to keep a close watch on it."
According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) report, the new mutant known as XE may be more transmissible than any Covid-19 variant discovered so far.
He also stated that there is no evidence that it can trigger a Covid-19 outbreak. "No indication is present at the moment highlighting that this new variant is so strong that it can cause a wave. We need to wait for some more time to make comments on how transmissible it can be," he added.
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Dr Mishra further emphasised the importance of taking all measures to protect the infection from spreading.
"It is unfortunate that a certain section of the society seems to be eager to declare that the pandemic is over. People should take care by using masks, administering vaccines as per rules and boosters wherever allowed and avoiding unnecessary clustering in crowded spaces, especially in close spaces. Act civil by wearing masks," said the expert.
Meanwhile, India on Saturday reported 1,260 fresh Covid-19 cases, taking the total number of infections to 4,30,27,035. India also recorded 83 Covid-deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Health Ministry.
On Saturday morning, India's Covid-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 184.52 crore (1,84,52,44,856) as per provisional reports till 7 am.
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-PTC News
