COVID rearing its ugly head again, sees significant resurgence in Europe, Asia

Since the beginning of this week, many countries including Russia, the UK, China and some in Eastern Europe have witnessed a significant rise in Covid cases.

New Delhi: In a worrying sign, COVID-19 virus seems to be infecting large section of the population, once again, across several countries in Asia and Europe. While  world economies have been trying to recover from the pandemic,  Covid virus appears to be on the prowl once again after a brief lull. Since the beginning of this week, many countries including Russia, the UK, China and some in Eastern Europe have witnessed a significant rise in Covid cases.

According to the latest update by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the highest numbers of new cases were reported from the UK (283,756 new cases; a 14 per cent increase) and Russia (217,322 new cases; a 15 per cent increase). The European Region showed a 7 per cent increase of new weekly cases as well highest weekly incidence in deaths (1.9 per 100 000 population). The UK has recorded more than 50,000 Covid cases for the first time since July 17.

While Delta has been the dominant variant in the country, AY.4.2 delta sub-lineage (also being called Delta plus) is currently increasing in frequency, according to the latest report from the UK Health Security Agency. Delta plus "sub-lineage accounted for approximately 6 per cent of all sequences generated, on an increasing trajectory", the report said.