SunstarTV Bureau: Over the last few days, thanks to the world-class genomic capability, it is found out that a new rapidly spreading Covid-19 variant, known as N501Y is spreading across countries like London and south-east England.
According to Susan Hopkins of Public Health England, this new virus strain could be 70 percent more transmissible then the previous virus.
According to the reports, this new virus is the result of multiple mutations in the spike protein of the novel Corona virus SARS-CoV-2, as well as mutations in other genomic regions of the RNA virus.
This N501Y identified an area of the spike protein that binds to a key protein in the human cell, the ACE2 receptor.
However, the UK Ministry’s guidelines mandate that, if the genomic sequencing indicates the presence of new variant of SARS-CoV-2 then the patient will continue to remain in a separate isolation unit while necessary treatment as per the existing protocol will be given, the patient shall be tested on 14th day, after having tested positive in the initial test. In case the sample is found positive on 14th day, further sample may be taken until his two consecutive samples taken 24 hours apart are tested negative.
International travelers from the UK, who arrived in India from November 25 to December 8, will be contacted by District Surveillance Officers and advised to self-monitor their health. If anyone among them develops symptoms, they will be tested by RT PCR and standard follow-up action would be initiated.
Amid this new virus break out, many countries like London, Bhutan, UK, USA, and South-England stated their second wave lockdown, where as country like, India is still away from the direct impact of the new covid-19 virus.
