Based on the data given by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the central government of India has issued an update on the Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus. According to the update, the Delta Plus variant has been found in 12 Indian states, where 48 cases of the variant have been identified from more than 45 thousand samples collected in April, May and June.
ICMR states that the Delta Plus variant is very localised in the country, adding that the variant has been isolated and cultured at National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.
Previous to this, Jitendra Singh, a Union minister, had urged medical professionals 'not to create a panic' about a possible third wave of Covid-19 infection, stating that the basic approach should be 'precaution, no panic'.
The remarks were made in response to a statement of Dr Randeep Guleria. Dr. Guleria, director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), had previously said that India had to prepare for a third wave of Covid-19 and other new variants like Delta Plus.
Delta Plus variant is said to be a mutated form of the Delta variant of coronavirus, which was first found in India.
The government of India informed that the Delta Plus variant was found in 12 countries. About the variant, experts are worried because it spreads more rapidly than the other known variants. Similarly, Delta Plus is also reported to have the ability to fight some vaccines and therapies being offered in different countries. It is said that the variant shows greater affinity towards lung tissues.
Reports say most of the Delta Plus cases have been found on three states of India-- Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
As a response to the new variant's threat, the Maharashtra government has tightened restrictions with effect from Monday.
Former ICMR chief Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, while speaking at a webinar on Covid-19 on Sunday, said that there was no need to panic due to the spread of the Delta Plus variant.
Indian government has already declared the Delta Plus as a variant of concern.
