The so-called “double mutation” coronavirus found in India can be considered a variant of concern because of its significant spread and how some of the mutations are known to behave. India’s principal scientific adviser K Vijay Raghavan has told the Hindustan Times.
“It’s reasonable to say that the variant (the “double mutation” variant) is of concern because it has been found in a significant number of people," he said.
On March 24, the Union health ministry said the variant was found in over 200 samples sent from Maharashtra, which became the first hot spot region during the second nationwide wave that began that month.
Vijay Raghavan added that vaccines are likely to still offer protection from variants of concern.
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