UK variant found in 70% samples sent by PGIMER

Among them, one sample was found to have double mutation; 681H mutant of Covid-19 was observed in 20% of the samples

As many as 70% of the 60 samples sent by PGIMER for genome sequencing in March turned positive for the UK variant of Covid-19. Among the 60 patients sampled, 45 were from Chandigarh.

A health worker collecting swab samples of passengers at the Sector-17 ISBT in Chandigarh on Thursday. (Keshav Singh/HT)

“The department of virology, PGIMER, had sent 60 positive samples to National Centre for Disease Control, New Delhi, in March. Among them, 70% had UK variant and one sample was found to have double mutation. 681H mutant of Covid-19 was observed in 20% of the samples,” said Dr Jagat Ram, director, PGIMER.

“Considering the high transmission rate of the UK variant, citizens should follow Covid-appropriate behaviour by wearing masks, maintaining social distance and frequently using sanitiser or washing hands,” he added.

Advising people to avoid non-essential travel and crowded places, Dr Ram said, “The eligible people should get vaccinated, which will help reduce the disease’s severity and further help in breaking the chain of transmission.”