A new version of the Delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading in several countries across the globe, including the United Kingdom, United States and India. This strain, termed B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1 (Delta Plus), is a version of the Delta variant which was first identified in India in February.

Around 200 cases of the variant have been identified across 11 countries, while only one death has been reported thus far, in India. Experts are exploring if the Delta Plus variant may be more transmissible than other strains like the Alpha or Delta variants. The Government of India has submitted the variant to the Global Data System and has also sent samples for genomic testing.

The variant was first reported by Public Health England on June 11; however, the UKs first few cases had been sequenced on April 26. This indicates that the variant may have been present and circulating by spring… (CNN, June 26, 2021)