India / Amid rising COVID cases, top scientist calls for ramping up genome sequencing

Covid Cases Today: Corona figures have started scaring once again. On Monday, the maximum number of corona cases came in the last three months. In the last 24 hours, 4,518 new patients of Kovid-19 were detected and 9 people died. If seen, there has been an increase of 1,730 in Kovid cases in a day.

'Genome sequencing should be increased'

In view of this, Dr. Rakesh Mishra, Director, Tata Institute of Genetics and Society (TIGS) has asked to increase genome sequencing. Dr. Mishra has given this call at a time when 'the severity of the disease is very less'.

In an interview to news agency ANI, Dr Mishra said, Omicron and its sub-variants can infect any person who has been vaccinated or who has a natural infection. However, the severity of the disease is very low and most people are asymptomatic and show minor symptoms. But if people fall ill then it should be taken seriously. This can create a big problem because maybe a new variant will come.

He also said that there is a slight chance that new cases are increasing due to the new powerful Kovid variant. Emphasizing on the need for genome sequencing, he said, "We should not dilute genome sequencing." Always keep in mind the sampling strategy and how we are doing the sequencing as it is an essential tool.

Cases increasing with new variants!

He further said that the increase in cases could be due to new variants and till the genome sequencing is not done, 'we don't know'. He said, 'Whoever comes to the hospital and is found to be suffering from Kovid or if symptoms are found, then he should be sequenced.'

Chances of fourth wave low

Dr Mishra said that the chances of a fourth wave are slim but caution is necessary. He said, 'People have started taking more carelessness and are not even wearing masks. It is like inviting the virus. However, he says that unless there is an emergency, 'we don't need to worry that much.' While 4,518 new cases were registered in the country on Monday, 4270 new cases were reported on Sunday. For two consecutive days, the cases of corona in the country have been above 4000. In the last 24 hours, the daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.62 percent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.91 percent.