KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has warned that new variants of coronavirus which have higher transmissibility and riskier than the earlier ones are detected in Nepal as well.
Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, the Ministry has stated that out of 35 samples sent to WHO identified center of excellence in genomic sequencing CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, India, 34 were found to have B.1. 617.2 variant.
In other words, out of the samples sent for gene sequencing, 97 percent showed B.1.617.2 variant. Rest three percent had B.1.617.1 variant of the coronavirus.
Genomic sequencing is a testing process to map the entire genetic code of an organism – in this case, the virus.
Stating that the new variants are found equally transmissible to the people of all age groups, the Ministry has warned all to stay alert.
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