WHO (World Health Organization) said on Monday (10) that variant B.1.617, First identified in India In the past year, it has been classified as a type of global concern.
“We classify it as worrisome globally,” WHO technical officer Maria Van Kerkhov said at a news conference at Kovid-19. “There is some information available that indicates marked broadcast capacity.”
Coronovirus infections and deaths in India reached record highs on Monday, increasing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s call to adopt a lockdown in the world’s second most populous country.
The WHO stated that the major strain of B.1.617 was first identified in India in December, although an earlier version was detected in October 2020.
The version has already spread to other countries, and many have taken steps to cut or restrict contact with India.
Van Kerakhov said more information about the variant and its three strains will be made available on Tuesday.
WHO Director General Tedros Adnom Ghebius said the WHO Foundation is in agreement to raise funds for the purchase of oxygen, medicine and protective equipment for healthcare professionals “together for India”.
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