CHANDIGARH: The BA.2 sublineage of heavily mutated Omicron variant of Covid-19 that has fuelled the current wave of infection in many countries has become the most commonly found variant in Punjab.
Omicron’s subvariant BA.2 is knowns as “Stealth Omicron,” and is believed to be more transmissible that the original strain and also cause more severe disease.
The analysis of the 821 positive samples tested for Omicron variant between January and March showed that subvariant BA.2 accounts for 78.65% (645) of the total samples while the followed by BA.1.1 which has been detected in 8.8% (72) of the samples. Immunity dodger B.1.1.529 was found in 6.9% (57) and BA.1 in 5.7% (47).
Despite the BA.2 lineage found in most of the samples, experts at the moment appear not to be much concerned as there has been a drastic fall in the number of fresh cases in Punjab. They said the data makes it evident that the BA.2 lineage of Omicron, which is causing massive spread in many countries has already subdued in Punjab. The state had witnessed a massive third wave which was powered by the Omicron variant.
After 48,421 cases surfaced during the week from January 13-19, the weekly case count fell for 13 straight weeks. Only 48 cases surfaced in the last week concluding on April 13, registering a decline of 99.90% in the past 13 weeks.
During the last week, the weekly positivity rate was 0.10%, which is the lowest in the region. Barring seven districts -- Mohali (0.55%), Nawanshahr (0.37%), Pathankot (0.35%), Hoshiarpur (0.14%), Fazilka (0.12%), Jalandhar (0.12%) and Ferozepur (0.11%) -- all the districts had a positivity rate below the state average.
