In view of a mutated variant of Covid-19 detected in the UK and elsewhere, the NITI Aayog clarified on Tuesday that there is no need to panic. It also said that this mutated and more aggressive strain of the novel coronavirus—which was first identified in the UK in September—has not been seen in India so far.
The new strain, which the initial data suggests is at least 70% more easily transmitted, has sparked concern worldwide, amid surging infection rates in the UK.
“The new strain or mutation of (the) coronavirus in the United Kingdom has not been seen in India, so far,” Dr V.K. Paul, a member of government think-tank NITI Aayog, said. “(And) as of now, it has no impact on the potential of vaccines being developed in our country and (which) are available in other countries,” he added.
India has joined over 25 other countries in imposing a temporary ban on all flights to and from the UK; the ban begins midnight Wednesday and will be in place till 31 December.
Dr Paul also said that the UK strain does not increase the severity of Covid-19 disease or impact the propensity of vaccines available. “As per the information available from the UK where the mutated variant was detected, it does not increase the severity of the disease, deaths and rate of hospitalisation. Besides, the studies also suggest that the available vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 are effective on the mutated strain as well,” he said. “So there is no need to panic,” Paul added.
A new variant of SARS-CoV 2 virus, which is under investigation, has been reported by the UK government to the World Health Organization (WHO). This variant is estimated by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) to be more transmissible and affecting the younger population.
Scientists in the UK have observed 17 changes or mutations in the latest variant. One of the most significant mutations is the ‘N501Y’ mutation in the spike protein that the virus uses to bind to the human ACE2 receptor. Changes in this part of the spike protein is responsible for the virus becoming more infectious and spreading further easily between people.
To contain the mutated variant from infiltrating the Indian population, The Indian government, besides temporarily banning flights from the UK, has also ordered mandatory RT-PCR tests for the patients arriving from the UK. As per the latest information, 5 passengers were found to be Covid-19 positive on Tuesday.
The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has asked state governments to send the samples of the passengers who tested positive on arrival from the UK to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune or any other appropriate lab for genomic sequencing study.
The genomic sequencing study would determine if the Covid patients are carrying the existing strain of SARS-CoV-2 or the mutant strain which was discovered in the UK.
If the samples indicate the presence of the new variant, the patient will continue to remain in a separate isolation unit while necessary treatment as per the existing protocol will be given, the Ministry said.
WITH AGENCY INPUTS