As the national capital records a surge in infection rate, genome sequencing of all the collected samples has begun to verify if a new variant has spread in the city. Almost 500 samples have been collected for genome sequencing with their results expected sometime this week. After seeing a declining trend, Delhi is once again reporting a hike where the positivity rate shot up to 7.72% on Monday with 501 new cases reported.

An informed person stated that as of now they have not seen any cluster or confirmed if it’s the same variant or another. He added that genome sequencing is under process and the results will provide the much-needed clarity to the situation. The results of genome sequencing will provide information on whether the XE variant is the factor behind the surging numbers. The XE variant, recombination of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variant, concluded more transmittable than any other Covid 19 strain so far has been identified in the United Kingdom, India, China, and Thailand.

Source: ET Healthworld