Concerns rise over Delta Plus variant

The emergence of a more contagious Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 is causing increasing concern in some Indian states and many other countries.

On Friday, the Indian government said that 51 cases of the Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus had been detected in 12 states, with Maharashtra reporting the highest number, 22. Maharashtra on Friday also reported the first death due to the Delta Plus variant.

About 200 cases of the new Delta Plus variant with an additional mutation called K417N had been found in as many as 11 countries by June 16.