How widespread is Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Karnataka now?

Whereas the second wave of COVID-19 was largely pushed by the extra virulent Delta variant and its sub-lineages with 90.7% of the full 5,659 samples sequenced testing optimistic for it, 26% of the full 1,853 samples sequenced within the third wave in January had been discovered to have Delta, in accordance with knowledge launched from the State Authorities.

Well being and Medical Training Minister Ok. Sudhakar tweeted on Friday, “Which pressure is dominating the third wave in Karnataka? As per the genome sequencing pattern, the next are the dominant strains: Second wave: 90.7% Delta, Third wave: 67.5% Omicron and 26% Delta.”

Sources mentioned a complete of two,791 samples had been sequenced at INSACOG labs in Karnataka from December 2021 to January 21, 2022. Of those, whereas 1,355 had been discovered to have the Delta and its sub-lineages, Omicron was discovered solely in 27% (766) of the samples. Different variants accounted for twenty-four% (670).

This month alone until January 21, as many as 1,853 samples had been sequenced and the outcomes confirmed 404 had Delta and its sub-lineages, 102 had different variants and 1,049 had Omicron.

V. Ravi, nodal officer for genomic affirmation of SARS-CoV-2 in Karnataka who additionally heads the State’s Genomic Surveillance Committee, agreed with the Minister’s tweet and mentioned this was true when the general sequencing knowledge was taken under consideration from December 2020.

“Nevertheless, after we analyse the sequencing outcomes pertaining to the third wave of COVID-19 in Karnataka (from December 2 when the primary two circumstances had been reported until date), Omicron is extra frequent among the many sequenced samples,” he mentioned.

Pointers for house exams

The State on Friday issued pointers for disposal of fast antigen and different testing kits used at house. “Don’t eliminate the used kits together with home moist/dry waste as it’s contagious. Put the used kits in a biohazard bag and hand it over to waste collectors individually,” said the round on the rules.

“If the check is optimistic, replace standing on cvstatus.icmr.gov.in. If the check is destructive however the particular person has COVID signs, go for RT-PCR check. If the check is destructive and no signs, no motion is required,” said the rules.