The new variant
Just as the covid-19 pandemic seemed to be receding at most of the places and governments across the world planned various activities in various sectors, a new variant has spelled a fresh trouble.
The new covid variant found at some places in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana has set alarm bells ringing with the Centre asking all states and union territories to conduct rigorous screening and testing of all international travellers coming from or transiting these regions.
In a communiqué addressed to additional chief secretary/principal secretary/secretary (Health) of all states and union territories, the Union Health Secretary has directed them to ensure that samples of travellers turning positive are sent to designated genome sequencing laboratories promptly.
It has now been reported by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that multiple cases of a COVID-19 variant B.1.1529 have been reported in Botswana (3 cases), South Africa (6 cases) and Honk Kong (1 case). This variant is reported to have a significantly high number of mutations, and thus, has serious public health implications for the country, in view of recently relaxed visa restrictions and opening up of international travel.
The new covid variant has also evoked an immediate response from the World Health Organization which held a special session on Friday to flesh out information about the worrying new variant of the coronavirus.
The technical advisory group on the evolution of COVID-19 met virtually to discuss the so-called B.1.1.529 variant that has caused stock markets to swoon and led the European Union to recommend a pause in flights to southern Africa.
The group could decide if it’s a variant of concern the most worrying type, like the well-known delta variant or a variant of interest and whether to use a Greek letter to classify it.
However, some things are quite clear that the new variant may spell fresh trouble for the health administrators as its response to the already available covid-19 vaccines is yet to be ascertained.
This simply means that the new variant may emerge as a potential threat to the human race as new measures may be required to deal with it before it becomes a serious concern.
As of now the travel restrictions are being eased across the globe and the movement of people is increasing with every passing day. In such a scenario the arrival of a new variant may not be a good development.
As for the governments across the globe the new variant should mean extra caution and car so that the threat is nipped in the bud before it consumes more human lives and deals another crippling blow to the various sectors.
KV Network
