NSACOG, a consortium of government institutions involved in the genome sequencing of the coronavirus , has not yet detected the presence of the new variant B.1.1.529 in India.The consortium met on Friday to discuss the new Covid-19 variant found in South Africa . During the two-hour meeting, the experts discussed what the new strain may mean for vaccines and treatments. The mutations can affect the virus' ability to spread and infect and could have implications for vaccine efficacy. "It's unusual and can have serious impact on the transmission," said another member.While INSACOG is monitoring the new variant, the government is said to be firming up a set of guidelines for international travellers in light of the new variant. "India is likely to impose strengthened measures in terms of imposing additional testing and screening for the travellers.

Source: Economic Times November 27, 2021 19:23 UTC