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During the second wave of Covid-19, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) were found in around 61 per cent and 30 per cent of samples respectively that were collected and were sent for whole-genome sequencing to National Centre for Disease Control, New Delhi.
“The majority of these samples (92%) belonged to residents of Chandigarh. Thus, during the second Covid wave in UT Chandigarh, the Delta variant was the main circulating strain,” informed Prof. Jagat Ram, director of PGI.
“The majority of these samples (92%) belonged to residents of Chandigarh. During the second wave Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) were found to be present among 61 per cent and 30 per cent samples respectively. In two samples, sequencing could not be performed due to low content of genomic material,” elaborated Prof Jagat Ram.
Prof. GD Puri, Dean (Academics), PGIMER, said that samples were sent from admitted patients in Nehru Hospital Extension Block, where severe and critical Covid positive cases are admitted, and all the samples showed that they contained the Delta strain. “Around 80 per cent of the patients who succumbed to Covid-19 in the second wave had the Alpha strain. Fortunately, no cases of Delta plus variant succumbing were reported,” added Prof. Puri.
Prof Ram said that even though the number of cases had started decreasing, people should continue adhering to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and also opt for vaccination as soon as possible so as to break the transmission chain completely and to halt the impending threat of a third wave. “A major sign of relief is the slowing down of the second wave and the total toll of positive patients is low in Chandigarh at present. But still, there is no room for complacency.”
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