56% Covid samples despatched from Himachal for genome sequencing discovered to have variants
2 min read VARIANTS OF the coronavirus have been present in 56 per cent samples of Covid sufferers despatched from Himachal Pradesh to a genome sequencing laboratory in Delhi, stated state well being officers.
A complete of 145 virus samples from the state have had their genomes sequenced thus far. Of these, 28 per cent have been discovered contaminated with the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), 11 per cent with Delta and Kappa variants (B.1.617) and 17 per cent with “some mutants of interest”. No mutation was discovered within the remaining 44 per cent virus samples.
A well being division official stated 876 samples from 8 RT-PCR laboratories within the state have thus far been despatched to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in New Delhi for genome sequencing, however the outcomes of most of them are awaited.
“For the purpose of genome sequencing, priority is being given to samples of patients with severe illness or prolonged admission, suspected reinfection, suspected vaccination failure/infection following vaccination, and other unique cases. In another kind of surveillance under genome sequencing, we are also looking at clusters of cases, suspected super-spreader events etc.,” stated the official.
3,000 police personnel contaminated
Around 3,000 police personnel in Himachal have been contaminated with Covid thus far, the police division stated in a press launch. Most of them have recovered however 241 are nonetheless battling the illness beneath house isolation and 6 of them died, it added.
Super-speciality makeshift hospital
A makeshift hospital having 104 oxygenated beds, an 18-bedded emergency care unit (ECU), a 10-bedded labour-cum-recovery room and an operation theatre was thrown open at Bhangrotu in Mandi district on Thursday.
Every mattress has a direct oxygen provide from a plant, and the hospital additionally has a defibrillator machine for stabilising coronary heart price throughout an assault, and an anaesthesia work station, authorities officers stated.
“Once the pandemic is over, this hospital will be useful as a super-speciality hospital,” stated Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur after inaugurating it.
