First case of Omicron subvariant BQ.1 found in Pune, Maharashtra on Tuesday. The new variant is a descendant of BA.5. Citing a 17.7 per cent spike in coronavirus cases in Maharashtra this week, the state health department on Monday warned of the risk of a spike in covid-19 cases in the state during winter and festive season. Diwali festival alert after Omicron subvariant BQ Case found in Maharashtra.
The XBB variant of Omicron, found for the first time in the country and in the state, has a ‘growth advantage over BA.2.75 and immune evasive property’. The new BA.2.3.20 and BQ.1 variants have been detected in the state with a surge in cases reported in densely-populated parts of the state Mumbai, Thane and Raigad.
The state of Maharashtra reported cases of the new XBB variant which has a growth advantage over BA.2.75 and immune evasive properties as well. Apart from this, Omicron subvariants BA.7 and BA.5.1.7, known to be highly infectious and transmissible have been recently detected by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center.
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Covid precautions to take this festive season
This festive season, citing the fear of spike in cases, the following covid precautions are advised for all:
-Do not ignore flu-like symptoms
2-Get vaccinated as per the guidelines
-Take extra precautions in public spaces if you are struggling with comorbidities like diabetes or heart disease or obesity
-People with influenza-like conditions must get a flu shot
-Maintain social distancing
-Observe covid-appropriate behaviour in public spaces
-Avoid excess physical contact with people around
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