Virus Transmission Is ‘Very Low’, ‘Delta Plus Not Yet Classified As Variant Of Concern’: Centre

Niti Aayog Member (Health) Dr V.K. Paul said the virus transmission is very low right now, adding cluster cases should be contained.

Image: ANI/Twitter

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday said coronavirus transmission is “very low right now” and added the ‘delta plus’ variant has not yet been classified as a variant of concern. Niti Aayog Member (Health) Dr V.K. Paul said the virus transmission is very low right now, adding cluster cases should be contained.

“We are dealing with a highly transmissible variant this year than we were in 2020. Hence, we exercise greater caution and strictly abide by Covid appropriate behaviour,” ANI quoted Dr Paul as saying at a media briefing.

Dr Paul said the “delta variant played a major role in second wave”.

“An additional mutation of this variant, known as Delta Plus, has been detected and submitted to global data system. It has been seen in Europe since March and was brought into public domain on June 13,” said Dr Paul.

“This (Delta Plus) is a variant of interest. It has not yet been classified as a variant of concern. As per data available in public domain, this variant nullifies the use of monoclonal antibody. We will study and learn more about this variant,” he added.

Thee Niti Aayog Member (Health) further said the “Novavax results are promising”.

“What we are learning from data available in public domain that this vaccine is very safe and highly effective. It will be produced in India. Clinical trials are being conducted and are in advanced stage of completion,” Dr Paul said.

“There will be some gap in production (of Novavax vaccine) for a while. I am also hoping they (US company Novavax) would also start trials on children too,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal urged all to maintain Covid-19 regulations.

“Vaccination is an additional tool in the fight against coronavirus. I urge everyone to prioritise hygiene and abide by COVID appropriate behaviour including wearing masks and social distancing. Avoid travel as much as you can,” he said.

The Joint Secretary informed that “almost 85% decline has been seen in daily cases since the highest reported peak”.

“We are witnessing this situation after 75 days, thus indicating an overall decline in infection rate,” he added.