Page 34 - Covid 12 July 2021

Based on the recent findings of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), the Union Health Ministry has alerted and advised Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh about finding the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 in some districts in these states.
The Union Health Secretary has communicated to these three states that this variant has been found in genome sequenced samples from Ratnagiri and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra; Palakkad and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala; and Bhopal and Shivpuri Districts of Madhya Pradesh.
INSACOG is a consortium of 28 laboratories of the MoHFW, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for whole genome sequencing vis-a-vis the COVID-19 pandemic. INSACOG is tasked with not just the whole genome sequencing but also to give timely inputs on appropriate public health response measures to be adopted by states and UTs. INSACOG has informed that the Delta Plus variant, currently a variant of concern (VOC), has the following characteristics:
• Increased transmissibility
• Stronger binding to receptors of lung cells
• Potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response
The Union Health Ministry has advised Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh that the public health response measures, while broadly remaining the same as have been implemented by them earlier, have to become more focussed and effective. The chief secretaries of the states have been advised to take up immediate containment measures in the districts and clusters (as
VOL. IV ISSUE 6
VIGYAN PRASAR 30
NATION’S S&T EFFORTS AGAINST COVID-19