Majority of Samples are from Chandigarh
20 percent samples had 681 H mutant of COVID 19
High Transmission rate of UK Variant leaves no room for any compromise with Covid Appropriate Behavior; Director PGIMER
With COVID 19 cases surging at a rate much faster in the second wave than the first wave, PGI reported having UK Variant In Its 70 Percent Samples as it was being assumed that the UK variant could be responsible for this faster rate. The same has been amply proved by the latest findings of the PGIMER samples sent to the National Centre for Diseases Control as 70 percent of the samples had UK Variant of COVID 19 and 20 percent of the samples had 681 H mutant of COVID 19, stated Prof Jagat Ram, Director PGIMER here at PGIMER today.
Detailing further about the inference, the Director PGIMER stated, “The Department of Virology, PGIMER, Chandigarh had sent 60 positive samples of Covid-19 to the National Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC), New Delhi in the month of March 2021.”
It was found that 70% of the samples had UK variants of COVID-19, one sample was found to have the double mutation. 681H mutant of Covid-19 was observed in 20% of the samples. The majority of the samples were from Chandigarh.
Sending a note of caution, Prof. Jagat Ram urged, “Considering the high transmission and faster spread of COVID-19 by the UK variant, it is suggested that everyone should follow COVID Appropriate Behavior by wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and frequent use of sanitizer/hand washing.”
The director further advised avoiding crowded places and non-essential travel. Stressing on the need for vaccination for priority groups, Prof. Jagat Ram said, “The priority groups of the population should get vaccinated against Covid-19 disease which will help to protect against this disease and reduce the intensity/severity of the disease which will further help in breaking the chain of the COVID-19 transmission.”