COVID strain first detected in India found in 53 territories: WHO

WHO also receives information the B.1.617 variant has been found in seven other territories, UN agency’s update shows.

The coronavirus variant first detected in India has now been officially recorded in 53 territories, a World Health Organization (WHO) report shows. Additionally, the WHO has received information from unofficial sources that the B.1.617 variant has been found in seven other territories, figures in the UN health agency’s weekly epidemiological update showed on Wednesday, taking the total to 60. The report said B.1.617 had shown increased transmissibility, while disease severity and risk of infection were under investigation.