Delta, the most dominant variant across the globe, was first detected in India in late 2020. Over the past few months in Punjab, it has been seen that the original virus is being replaced by new variants. Recently, In Punjab’s first whole-genome sequencing lab, the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been found in all the samples tested positive for Covid-19. A sigh of relief was when no sample was tested positive for delta plus variant.
Since the launch of the laboratory in mid of September, as many, as 239 samples have been sent for whole-genome sequencing, of which only four (1.67%) were tested negative, while 24 (10.04%) samples were of poor quality. In the remaining 211 (88.28%) sample, the Delta variant was found.
Lab in-charge Dr Rupinder Bakshi said the government had set a target of 400 sequencing tests in a month with a processing time of 5 to 6 days. Genome sequencing of all the samples of Punjab is done at the lab, which was previously sent to NCDC (Delhi), which took more than a month to complete the testing.
Punjab has been one of the worst-hit states by the pandemic. The state has so far reported about 100 cases of breakthrough infection – cases in which fully or partially vaccinated individuals contract infection — of which 80% have been caused by the Delta variant of the disease.
- As per the genome sequencing data compiled by the state, Alpha variant dominated till March this year (95%) cases. No case of Delta variant till February. 0.5% cases in march.
- Alpha started weakening 40% cases in April. With fading of alpha, delta started to capture the situation with 47% cases in April.
- Alpha cases were reduced to 3.9% in May. While a hike in delta variant was seen with 88% case.
