Omicron Sibling BA. 1 Quickly Replacing Delta Variant Across Country

INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) scientists working on genome sequencing of COVID-positive clinical samples have said that along with the original Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, its sibling (sub-lineage) BA.1 is dominantly co-circulating and quickly replacing the Delta variant in Maharashtra and some other states of the country.

There are two more sub-lineages of the Omicron variant – BA.2 and BA.3.

A senior scientist was quoted as saying by The Times of India, “In some sequencing run of clinical samples, we got to see the presence of more BA.1 sub-lineage now than the original Omicron strain.

Since the sub-lineage belongs to the same family, these samples are considered Omicron positive.”

Meanwhile, a Union health ministry official said, "According to WHO, the BA.1 sub-lineage of Omicron accounts for 99 percent of sequences, and overall, over 95 percent of the Omicron variant sequences reported include a 69-70 deletion in the S gene in most countries reporting an Omicron-fuelled surge.”

On Monday, 10 January, India reported 1,79,723 new COVID-19 cases and 146 deaths, as the country began administering the ‘precaution dose’ of COVID vaccine to frontline workers, healthcare workers, and senior citizens with comorbidities.

The country on Monday began administering the third ‘precautionary dose’ to priority groups — health care and frontline workers and those aged over 60 years with comorbidities.

According to the Centre’s directions, the third dose will be of the same vaccine as the first two jabs and will be given to those who were vaccinated nine months ago.