What we know about Indian COVID variant WHO calls ‘of concern’

WHO says variant first identified in India last year is of global concern, with studies showing it spreads more easily.

India is witnessing the world’s sharpest spike in coronavirus infections, with hospitals across the country running out of beds, oxygen and medicines. Scientists are studying what led to the surge, and particularly whether a variant of the novel coronavirus first detected in India is to blame. The variant, named B.1.617, has been reported in 17 countries, raising global concern.