New Variant Found In South Africa Is A ‘Developing Story’: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that the matter concerning the new Covid-19 variant identified in African countries is a “developing story” and the WHO has held a meeting on it.

Arindam Bagchi (ANI Photo)

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that the matter concerning the new Covid-19 variant identified in African countries is a “developing story” and the World Health Organization (WHO) has held a meeting on it.

Arindam Bagchi, the MEA spokesperson, said in the weekly briefing, “As regards the issue of the South African variant, this is a developing incident. We just saw a report of and briefing by WHO. I don't have any immediate information on the steps we are taking. It is an issue more for our health authorities. This is a very developing story.”

Bagchi was responding to a query regarding the new variant B.1.1.529 which has been named “Omicron” by the WHO scientists. The variant was detected in South Africa on Thursday and was labelled as a “variant of concern” by the WHO panel on Friday.

WHO spokesperson, Christian Lindmeier said that early analysis shows multiple mutations but the variant has to undergo a study to get more data on the transmissibility and effect on vaccine efficacy. 

“It'll take a few weeks for us to understand what impact this variant has. Researchers are working to understand more,” she said.

While there is not enough data yet, the ANI report shows that it has 30-50 mutations. Data on the new variant is extremely necessary for India as it is slowly getting over the lockdown hangover. The information on the new variant comes in the backdrop of India reopening international flights from December 15. In the purview of the new variant, many countries have reimposed travel restrictions on passengers from Africa.