Delhi recorded just 30 new COVID-19 cases yesterday (File)
New Delhi:
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting of medical and scientific experts on Monday in light of the “threat of a new version of (Covid) from African countries”.
These experts will make a presentation to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), he said, to suggest steps to protect the national capital from the B.1.1529 strain of coronavirus.
“In view of the threat from the (new) COVID-19 variant from African countries, we have requested experts to make a presentation to the DDMA on Monday, and suggest what steps we should take. We will take all necessary steps for your safety.” Will raise and your family,” tweeted the chief minister.
In view of the new COVID type threat from African countries, we have requested experts to make a presentation to DDMA on Mon and suggest what action we should take. We will take all necessary steps to protect you and your family
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 26, 2021
a New version of Novel Coronavirus – B.1.1.1.529 . listed as – was first identified in South Africa and Botswana earlier this week, and has since spread to Hong Kong.
The variant has triggered red-flags over an alarmingly high number of mutations that could make it more resistant to current vaccines, increase transmission efficiency and lead to more severe symptoms.
on Thursday India calls for strict screening of travelers from these countries,
A letter to all from the Union Health Ministry said, “This variant is reported to contain a significantly higher number of mutations, and thus, in view of the recently relaxed visa restrictions and opening up of international travel.” There are serious public health implications for the country.” States and Union Territories study.
The new variant has 50 mutations, more than 30 of which are on the spike protein and 10 of which are on the receptor binding domain. Researchers are still trying to confirm what this means for the evasion and transmission capabilities of virus vaccines, but medical experts have warned.
Delhi was one of the worst affected cities in the country during the peak of the second Covid wave, when hospital beds were hard to find and patients died due to lack of oxygen.
Overall, the city has recorded over 14.4 lakh cases, with over 25,000 deaths linked to the virus. With only 30 new cases and 309 active cases since yesterday, the numbers have slowed down.
Overall, the country reported 10,549 new cases in 24 hoursThe Center said this morning, which is 15.6 per cent higher than the earlier period.
With input from PTI
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