All the countries of the world have started taking precautions regarding the new variant of Corona found in South Africa. The central government has also instructed the states to take special vigilance regarding this variant. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium is closely monitoring the new variant of COVID-19 named B.1.1.1.529. The good news is that this variant is yet to be detected in the country. At the same time, experts say that the new variant is more contagious. In such a situation, vaccination of all people is the most important issue.
Central government alert, these instructions given to the states
The central government has asked all states to strictly screen and check all international travelers coming from South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has said in a letter to all the states that the samples of passengers found infected should be sent immediately to the concerned Genome Sequencing Laboratories.
Stock market tumbles
Meanwhile, in anticipation of a new threat emerging due to the new variant of Corona, domestic investors sold off in the stock market on Friday, causing major indices to fall. In the day’s trade, the BSE 30-share major index Sensex settled at 57,107.15, down 1,687.94 points, or 2.87 per cent. The National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) 50-share major index Nifty also closed at 16,026.45, down 509.80 points, or 2.91 per cent.
New cases in the country cross 10 thousand
New cases of corona infection in the country have again crossed 10 thousand. For the last three-four days, less than 10 thousand new cases of infection were being reported. There has also been a marginal increase in the active cases, and the active cases at present have increased to over 1.10 lakh which is 0.32 percent of the total cases. However, except Kerala, the situation is under control in the entire country.
