Nagpur: A new sub-variant of the novel coronavirus strain Omicron has been detected in a few samples which were sent for genome sequencing in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan hospital in Delhi.
LNJP hospital medical director Dr Suresh Kumar said Omicron sub-variant BA 2.75 has been detected in many samples. The new variant has been found amid a rise in Covid-19 cases and positivity rate in the national capital region. The medical director added that the number of people getting admitted in the hospital is also increasing day by day.
Dr Kumar said, “Omicron’s sub-variant BA 2.75 has been found in the report. It has a higher transmission rate. This has emerged in the study report of 90 samples sent for genome sequencing. This new sub-variant also attacks people already having antibodies and also those who have taken vaccines.”
He added that the severity of the cases is however lower and only the elderly and persons with co-morbidities are at risk.
On Thursday morning, the Delhi government also announced mandatory usage of masks at public places and a fine of Rs 500 to be imposed on the violators. The rules for masks however are not applicable for persons travelling in a private four-wheeler vehicle.