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Omicron BF.7: Will Diwali trigger a new Covid wave in India?

 



According to two studies, Omicron BF.7 may better protect against antibodies from earlier diseases or vaccinations than many other Omicron subtypes.

• According to recent reports, the first case of BF.7 has been detected in India, as detected by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre.

The new sub-version BA.5.1.7 of Omicron is said to be highly contagious and have greater transmittance. According to recent reports, the first case of BF.7 in India has been detected by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center. Health experts have advised caution, as variants BF.7 and BA.5.1.7 are reportedly behind the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in China.

With the emergence of these new sub-types that are capable of overcoming immunity, it is important to exercise caution ahead of the upcoming 5-day festival of Diwali, which will begin on Dhanteras, 22 October. According to two studies, BF.7 may better protect against antibodies from earlier diseases or vaccinations than many other omicron subtypes.


"The next two to three weeks are crucial. COVID-19 is still around, and new forms are being reported in different parts of the world. Obviously, we cannot stay isolated from them. So, we need to be careful. Because the festivals are a few days ahead," Dr. N.K. Arora, Chairman, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

Delhi sees increase in Covid cases

As the festival of Diwali draws closer, Delhi is again witnessing a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, with the test positivity rate exceeding 2%.

Though no death was reported from the national capital due to the virus on Saturday, Delhi saw 135 new cases of Kovid-19. The city saw 112 cases on Friday with a test positivity rate of 1.75%, while the number of cases on Thursday stood at 130, with a positivity rate of 1.84%. For the first two days of the week (Monday and Tuesday), the city saw comparatively fewer cases at 67 and 97.

Covid cases rise across the country

The increase in Kovid-19 can be seen across the country, Mumbai also recorded 180 new cases of Kovid-19 on Saturday. While Karnataka reported 163 new cases of the virus, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat reported comparatively fewer cases at 28 and 68.

Covid BF.7 Symptoms

Covid BF.7 symptoms include sore throat, congestion, fatigue, cough and runny nose.

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