scientists in South Africa said they have detected a new Covid-19 variant with a large number of mutations, blaming it for a surge in infection numbers.

The number of daily infections in Africa’s hardest-hit country has increased tenfold since the start of the month. Responding to the sudden spike and new variant, Britain has banned all travel from the country and five other southern African nations. Scientists have warned that the variant could be more infectious than Delta and more resistant to current vaccines.

meanwhile India covid update shows good results

120.27 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive

 

Recovery Rate currently at 98.33%; Highest since March 2020

 

9,868recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,39,77,830

 

10,549new cases in the last 24 hours

 

India’s Active caseload stands at 1,10,133

 

Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at0.32%; Lowest since March 2020

 

Daily positivity rate (0.89%) less than 2% for last 53 days

 

Weekly Positivity Rate (0.89%) less than 1% for last 12days

Scientists monitor all variants and classify certain ones as Variants Being Monitored, Variants of Concern, Variants of Interest or Variants of High Consequence. Some variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. As seen in the past, an increase in the number of cases will put more strain on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths.

. So far, vaccines have been proven effective against Delta varint and vaccine breakthrough infections are expected. Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant. Early evidence has suggested that fully vaccinated people who become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. All FDA-approved or authorized vaccines are particularly effective against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Delta variant cause the second and the most deadly Covid-19 wave in early 2021 as most of the population was unvaccinated. The shots also reduce the risk of infection. But they do not completely eliminate all risk. The advice to avoid infection remains the same for all strains: wash your hands, keep your distance, wear a face covering in crowded places and be vigilant about ventilation.