The number of samples that have tested positive for the Delta-plus variant in India stands at around 20 at present, stated experts, with Maharashtra accountable for at least 8 such cases, almost all having been reported from Ratnagiri.

The highly infectious Delta variant, or B.1.617.2, has undergone further mutation to form the Delta-plus or AY.1 variant. Dr Sujeet Singh, director, National Centre for Disease Control, New Delhi, said that 15-20 cases of Delta-plus variant have been detected from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and some other states. He stated that the aspects of transmissibility or severity of Delta-plus variant are being assessed by INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia), adding that samples from previous months will also be analyzed in order to determine if the variant already existed in March or April… (ET Healthworld – TNN, June 21, 2021)