Four Cases of Chinese BF.7 Covid Variant Detected in India
Four cases of Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is the reason for China's current surge of Covid cases, have been detected in India so far.
We recently released about the massive surge in Covid cases caused in China, which has caused panic and havoc around the world. Later it was also reported that approximately 60% of the Chinese population would get covid positive in the next 3 months and a lot of deaths will be caused. Videos of patients being given CPR on the floor and over exhausted doctors collapsing from exhaustion are going viral on social media as Covid-19 sweeps through China. One clip shared by a Twitter handle showed scenes of chaos in the emergency observation room at a hospital in the Chinese city of Chongqing.
But How would this situation in China impact us in India? Shockingly, four cases of Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is the reason for China's current surge of Covid cases, have been detected in India so far, as per the official sources reported on 21st of December. Although, the first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. So far, two more cases have been reported from Gujarat, while one case has been reported from Odisha, the report has said. However, Covid data analyst, Vijayanand, claimed that in China's Covid Crisis, the current Variants in China are only Omicron Sub-variant BA.2.75, BA.5, BQ.1, XBB; and all of these variants have been found in rest of the world. So this crisis in China will have no impact in India or the rest of the world. So no reason for worry or panic. According to reports, India has been detecting these strains and data from India’s SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance programme, has revealed that the BF.7 sub-variant has been present in India for months.
Despite the virus spreading around the world having very low chances as per expert recommendations, the Indian government today advised people to mask up in crowded areas and has decided to hold weekly meetings to monitor the country's Covid situation. As per the government data, India has reported 129 fresh Infections over the last 24 hours and the number of active cases currently stands at 3,408. One death was recorded over the last 24 hours caused by Covid. Even Indian authorities have sprung into action with the centre issuing advisory to states and the Health Minister writing to Rahul Gandhi to stop his Bharat Jodo Yatra. Serum Institute of India Founder and CEO Adar Poonawalla who manufactured the widely used Covid vaccine Covishield, assures there is no need to panic. He tweeted, “The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning. We need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India and @MoHFW_INDIA."
Meanwhile, we’ll keep you posted with whatever happens in and around China. We would recommend all our viewers to follow covid appropriate behaviour and start using face masks where required.What do you think about this drastic surge of Covid cases in China? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.
