India has detected a new “double mutant variant” of the coronavirus, the health ministry said on Wednesday. The new variant is an addition to the several “variants of concern” that have already been found in at least 18 states in the country, the ministry added.
“Since INSACOG initiated its work, 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10787 positive samples shared by States/UTs. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African (B.1.351) lineage. 1 sample was found positive for viruses of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 States of the country.” Union Health Ministry said.