Delta Plus variant now found in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, June 26

The Chandigarh Administration said on Saturday that it had found one Delta Plus variant (AY.1) of Covid-19 in one of the random 50 samples sent for genome sequencing among cases that were reported in the Union Territory in May and June.

No one in family hospitalised

“The 35-year-old and all his family members, including two elderly persons and a child, had a mild disease. None of them were hospitalised and all have fully recovered. None of them was vaccinated,” said Dr Amandeep Kaur Kang, Director, Health Services, UT.

The sample of a 35-year-old resident of Vikas Nagar in Mauli Jagran, who tested Covid positive on May 22, has been detected with the Delta Plus variant.

“The 35-year-old and all family members, including two elderly persons and a child, had a mild disease. None of them were hospitalised and all have fully recovered. None of them was vaccinated,” said Dr Amandeep Kaur Kang, Director, Health Services, UT. The samples of four direct high-risk family contacts who tested positive in May were sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for whole genome sequencing today. Also, 29 samples collected in the period of June were sent to the NCDC on June 22, the results of which are awaited.

Dr Kang added: “This is very old sample, at present, there is no increase in cases at Vikas Nagar and vaccination camp is being held daily there for the past seven days.”

A total of 50 random samples of residents for the May-June period were sent to the NCDC lab, New Delhi, on June 4 for genomic sequencing.

A variant of concern (VOC) has been detected in 35 samples, of which one Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), 33 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and one Delta plus variant (AY.1) has been reported in the samples sent for genome sequencing.

The Delta Plus variant has increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response. As many as 52 cases have been reported an India with three deaths. A maximum of cases have been reported in Maharasthra, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.

Meanwhile, In view of the circulation of new variant of Covid-19 in the community, the UT Health Department has asked citizens to follow Covid appropriate behaviour i.e. wearing of masks, following social distancing, hand hygiene and sanitisation etc. “It is also advised to avoid 3C’s i.e. close contact, closed and crowded places. All those eligible for vaccination should get vaccinated at the earliest,” read an official statement of the UT Health Department. — TNS