An alert has been sounded across Kerala after AY 4.2, a sub-lineage of the Covid Delta variant, was detected in various parts of the country.
The new variant has been reported in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and a few other states.
Since it is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant, which is considered the most dangerous mutation of the novel coronavirus, the AY 4.2 has been labelled.
In India, AY 4.2 is a ‘variant of interest’. However, it may lead to another wave of infection and hence, adhering to Covid protocol.
Still battling Covid, Kerala wary of new Delta sub-lineage AY 4.2
Also, Kerala is not out of the woods yet when it comes to Covid. At present, the state tops in the country in terms of daily and active cases.
On Monday itself, 6,664 new cases were reported and active cases were over 74,000 in Kerala.
As of now, we can only wait and analyse the progress of AY 4.2. It is too early to predict its transmissibility and severity.
The Delta variant caused a severe spread in India.
Therefore, the risks involved cannot be ignored,” said Kochi-based pulmonologist Dr Monu Varghese.
Things are very crucial for Kerala as we continue to report a high number of Covid cases than other states.
With the easing of restrictions, people have lowered their guard. Even social distancing, the basic Covid protocol, is not being followed in public places,” he said.
On Monday, 636 cases of Covid protocol violations and 4,300 cases of people not wearing masks were reported in the state.