Delta took over Alpha in April, shows genome sequencing in Punjab

Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 21

The original virus has been practically replaced by new variants in Punjab, genome sequencing over the past few months have shown.

A month-wise whole genome sequencing has shown that more than 90 per cent is a variant of concern. The further investigation revealed that the Delta variant remained predominant even in the month of June this year.

Even during the Covid review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, the new variants were a matter of concern. However, after two cases reported in the month of June, no new cases of the Delta-Plus variant have been reported so far.

As per the genome sequencing data compiled by the state, the Alpha variant dominated the scene till March this year and there was no case of Delta variant till February.

In February, 70 per cent cases of Alpha variant were found, which increased to 95 per cent in March. However, the variant started weakening after March and came down to 40 per cent in April and reduced to just 3.9 per cent in May.

When Alpha was fading away, Delta variant was emerging on the scene. The first case of Delta was detected in the month of March. In March, it made just 0.5 per cent of the variants. And after that, it started dominating the scenario. In April, Delta variant was found in 47 per cent cases taken for genome sequencing against 40 per cent Alpha variant. In May, the number increased to 88 per cent and last month it climbed to 90 per cent.