“We are still to ascertain, which strain is in circulation right now, as samples have been sent to CCMB for analysis. Confirming the enhanced power of the virus, District COVID Special Officer and Principal of Andhra Medical College P.V. Sudhakar said, “We have observed that the new variant has shorter incubation period and the progress of the disease is much rapid. In the earlier cases, a patient affected with the virus would take at least a week to reach the hypoxia or dyspnea stage. But in the present context, patients are reaching the serious condition stage within three or four days.

Source: The Hindu May 03, 2021 16:22 UTC