BF.7 VARIANT OF CORONAVIRUS

The BF.7 variant of coronavirus, belived to be linked to the surge in COVID-19 cases in China, was identified in India as far back as July.
Four instances of the Omicron subvariant was genome-sequenced in Gujarat and Odisha in the subsequent months, but it was not linked to increased severity or infectiousness in the two States, two officials who were part of a meeting convened by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday said.
With the rise in cases in China triggering a global alarm, Mr. Mandaviya had convened a meeting of senior officials in the government and the National COVID-19 Task Force to assess the situation in India.
The officials said while the spike in China did not yet imply a grave threat for India, it was advisable that people follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated and that States should increase genomic surveillance. Some States have said they will increase random testing of passengers at airports.
“I have directed all concerned to strengthen surveillance. I also urge people to get vaccinated,” Mr. Mandaviya said.

SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB

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