India Covid updates: Double mutant variant detected; Centre says surge in Maharashtra and Punjab a matter of ‘grave concern’

The Covid-19 surge continued throughout the nation on Wednesday, with Maharashtra reporting 31,855 contemporary circumstances — its highest single-day spike because the outbreak of the pandemic — and Delhi recording 1,254 new circumstances, its highest spike in over three months.
Addressing a press convention, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated about 88 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths within the nation are within the age group of 45 years and above, making them probably the most weak part that must be protected. He added that the case fatality charge on this age group is 2.85 per cent. This got here a day after the federal government opened up vaccinations for all these within the age bracket from April 1.

Covid variants of concern recognized in 18 states
A brand new “double mutant variant” of the coronavirus has been detected along with many different strains or variants of concern (VOCs) present in 18 states within the nation, the Health Ministry stated on Wednesday.
“Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish or direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states. Genomic sequencing and epidemiological studies are continuing to further analyse the situation,” the ministry stated in its press launch at the moment.

It added, “Since INSACOG initiated its work, 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10787 positive samples shared by States/UTs. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African (B.1.351) lineage. 1 sample was found positive for viruses of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 States of the country.”
Surge in Maharashtra and Punjab a matter of ‘grave concern’
The Union Health Ministry stated that the surge in infections in Punjab and Maharashtra is a matter of “grave concern”. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated that Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are of concern too. Gujarat is reporting round 1,700 circumstances day by day and MP round 1500 circumstances. Most circumstances in Gujarat are concentrated in Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar.
The charge of improve in coronavirus circumstances in Maharashtra between February 14 to March 23 was thrice that recorded within the earlier 4 months, knowledge exhibits. After a gentle decline since October, the brand new circumstances surged noticeably since February 14.
Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat collectively account for 77.44 per cent of the brand new infections, the Union Health Ministry stated.
“Eight states have reported a higher weekly positivity rate than the national average (4.11 per cent). Maharashtra leads with a weekly positivity rate of 20.53 per cent,” the ministry stated.
Nine Maharashtra districts have most variety of lively circumstances
Bhushan stated that the ten worst-affected districts within the nation are Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Aurangabad, Bengaluru Urban, Nanded, Jalgaon and Akola. Nine districts on the listing are from Maharashtra and one from Karnataka.
Holi celebrations banned in Gujarat, Haryana and Pune
In view of the rising variety of Covid circumstances, Haryana, Gujarat and Pune additionally banned public celebrations of Holi.
The Gujarat authorities issued a notification banning public celebration of Holi and stated the ritual of “Holika Dahan” could be noticed in small gatherings. As per the notification issued by the house division, public celebrations and mass capabilities can’t be allowed on the day of Dhuleti on March 29 as a result of prevailing pandemic.
Pyres could be lit historically and ritualistic circumambulation might be allowed, however solely a restricted variety of individuals might be permitted to take part, the notification said.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij tweeted, “In the light of the Covid-19 situation, public celebration of Holi will not be allowed in the state.”
Delhi and Mumbai had banned Holi celebrations earlier whereas the Uttar Pradesh authorities has issued a set of tips asking senior residents and weak teams to steer clear of celebrations and stated no processions or gatherings might be allowed with out prior administrative permission.
(With inputs from PTI)