Public Health England designated variant B.1.617.2, one of three variants identified in India that has spread to Britain, a variant of concern. Surge testing was being carried out in areas where evidence indicates community spread. "We're doing a huge amount, obviously, to make sure that when we do find outbreaks of the Indian variant that we do surge testing, that we do door-to-door testing." The public health body said other characteristics of the B.1.617.2 variant were still being investigated. The original India variant, B.1.617, was first detected in October, but PHE has categorised three different subtypes, all with slightly different mutations.

Source: bd News24 May 07, 2021 12:56 UTC