Clarifying on the presence of the new COVID-19 variant, XE, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday, April 7, said that the health department has not arrived on any confirmation on this as there's no NIB (National Institute of Biologicals) report yet.
While talking to reporters, Tope shared: "As per information, XE variant is 10 per cent more infectious than the Omicron variant. We will talk more about it in detail after getting a report. Since we have not received a confirmatory report from the Centre or NIB, Maharashtra health department does not confirm it. There's no need to panic.”
This development came a day after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) remarked the presence of XE variant of COVID-19. Later in the evening on Wednesday, April 6, the Centre also denied the existence of new Omicron variant.
Later, Mumbai Guardian Minister Aaditya Thacekray also mentioned: "We are constantly working to ensure that we are all safe. I urge people to not panic."
The person with the suspected new variant has recovered fully & the high-risk contacts have been covid negative. The samples have been sent to NIBMG, to reconfirm the type of strain.
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) April 7, 2022
We are constantly working to ensure that we are all safe. I urge people to not panic
For those unversed, on Wednesday, April 6, the Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation reportedly stated that one patient affected by the "XE" variant of coronavirus was found in Mumbai. The results of the 11th test in the COVID-19 virus genetic formula determination - 228 which is 99.13 per cent (230 samples) of patients were detected with Omicron.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra health department in its bulletin elucidated how the new variant was detected in a vaccinated woman (50) who is a citizen of South Africa with no comorbidity and is asymptomatic.
Moreover, a member of the Maharashtra COVID task force, Dr Shashank Joshi observed that there was no need to panic while urging all to adhere to appropriate behaviour to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
Also Read: Good News! Mumbai Finally Reaches 100% Vaccination Mark For Adults
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