Alarming Delta Plus variant

Our closest neighbour, India, declaring the Delta Plus strain of the coronavirus a variant of concern has sent a shiver down our spine. According to media reports, India has recently found around 40 cases of the Delta Plus strain of Covid-19, carrying a mutation that appears to make it more transmissible. Experts have warned that if the Delta Plus variant is not arrested at once, it may lead to another wave in no time in India.

With the Covid-19 situation deteriorating in Bangladesh, we suggest closing the borders with the neighbouring country to contain the spread of the new and potentially more transmissible variant of the virus. Moreover, the authorities concerned must ensure institutional quarantine for all returnees from India. Our scientists should also increase the number of genome sequencing so that we can understand whether the new strain of the virus has appeared in the country or not.

Badsha Faysal,

Jurain, Dhaka,

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