Delta variant: BBMP to take up genome sequencing of 5% of samples

With cases of the new Delta variant of COVID-19 being detected in Maharashtra and Kerala, the BBMP is now banking on genome sequencing to ascertain if the variant is detected in the city. BBMP Chief C

With cases of the new Delta variant of COVID-19 being detected in Maharashtra and Kerala, the BBMP is now banking on genome sequencing to ascertain if the variant is detected in the city. BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta on Tuesday announced that the civic body will take up genome sequencing of 5% of samples that have tested positive for COVID-19. “Though there is no restriction on inter-State travel as per the Centre’s guidelines, we have been insisting on RT-PCR tests for those coming to the city from other States,” he said. Civic officials had been directed to keep a close watch on wards with higher positivity rate. “The city’s positivity rate is around 2%. In wards with higher positivity rate, officials have been directed to intensify home visits and contact tracing, monitoring those under home isolation, among other things,” he addedOn the topic of schools reopening, Mr. Gupta said that in his personal opinion, it was time to be cautious. “Though the cases among children have not seen a drastic increase during the second wave, citizens must take care and mandatorily adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour,” he said.