New variants of Omicron emerging in Delhi, says top expert

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<strong>By Shalini Bhardwaj</strong></p>
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A top medical expert believes that there are eight variants of Omicron and amongst them one is dominating which can be held responsible for the surge in cases in Delhi.</p>
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Speaking to ANI, Dr SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) said, " Many samples have been sequenced at ILBS and I think there are eight variants of which one is now dominating, we will come to know slowly."</p>
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Experts say BA.2.12.1 is the variant which is a sibling of Omicron and is also responsible for the sudden surge in Delhi.</p>
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Sarin said,"There is a possibility that new variants of the Omicron are emerging and they are being sequenced."</p>
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"I would suggest people should be very careful. There is a fear that children may get infected because they are not adequately vaccinated. People must wear masks," Dr Sarin said.</p>
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Delhi on Wednesday reported 1,009 fresh cases, the highest since February 10, while the positivity rate is 5.70 per cent.</p>
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Since the beginning of April, India has been continuously registering a rise in COVID cases daily.</p>
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<strong>Also read: </strong> <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/covid-cases-surge-in-delhi-wearing-masks-made-mandatory-again-165679.html">COVID cases surge in Delhi, wearing masks made mandatory again</a></p>