The UK has reopened its economy and locals are flocking outdoors to meet their loved ones. However, a variant 'of concern' of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> still poses a threat for the country.

UK’s health secretary&nbsp;Matt Hancock claims there is a possibility that up to three quarters of the new coronavirus infections are linked to the B.1.617.2 variant, which was first detected by health experts of India.

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This variant has been labelled as a 'variant of concern' by experts of World Health Organization (WHO) and is being understood to be highly infectious and probably more deadly.

A few weeks ago, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned that the government "may need to wait" a little before lifting all coronavirus-related restrictions, which was originally planned to take place on June 21.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-health-minister-hancock-to-face-questions-after-cummings-brands-him-a-liar-387788" hreflang="en">UK's health minister Hancock to face questions after Cummings brands him a liar</a>

The local health experts believe the increased cases are a result of the new variant and also due to increased testing in the worst-affected areas.

"I think it is really, really just on the cusp at the moment, if we see cases rise we are not clear yet quite whether that is a rise in the variant cases taking off or whether it is actually a rise because we are actively, quite rightly, detecting them and then challenging these chains of transmission," Dr Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, the UK is also investigating a new variant, based on the new mutations of the virus. This new variant has been named C.36.3, for now and first detected in Thailand from the people who had travelled from Egypt.

The UK has reopened its economy and locals are flocking outdoors to meet their loved ones. However, a variant 'of concern' of coronavirus still poses a threat for the country.

The UK has reopened its economy and locals are flocking outdoors to meet their loved ones. However, a variant 'of concern' of coronavirus still poses a threat for the country. UK’s health secretary Matt Hancock claims there is a possibility that up to three quarters of the new coronavirus infections are linked to the B.1.617.2 variant, which was first detected by health experts of India. Also read | Facebook lifts ban on 'lab leak' posts as US investigates origin of coronavirus This variant has been labelled as a 'variant of concern' by experts of World Health Organization (WHO) and is being understood to be highly infectious and probably more deadly. A few weeks ago, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned that the government "may need to wait" a little before lifting all coronavirus-related restrictions, which was originally planned to take place on June 21. Also read | UK's health minister Hancock to face questions after Cummings brands him a liar The local health experts believe the increased cases are a result of the new variant and also due to increased testing in the worst-affected areas. "I think it is really, really just on the cusp at the moment, if we see cases rise we are not clear yet quite whether that is a rise in the variant cases taking off or whether it is actually a rise because we are actively, quite rightly, detecting them and then challenging these chains of transmission," Dr Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said at a press conference. Meanwhile, the UK is also investigating a new variant, based on the new mutations of the virus. This new variant has been named C.36.3, for now and first detected in Thailand from the people who had travelled from Egypt.

Three quarters of new Covid infections in UK due to B.1.617.2 'variant of concern': Health minister

A traveller who had arrived in Brazil has tested positive for the B.1.617.2 variant of coronavirus, which was first detected by health officials in India.

On Wednesday, Sao Paulo health officials reported that the traveller had been detected with the variant which has been classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by WHO.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vaccines-can-be-redesigned-to-avoid-blood-clots-german-scientists-claim-387671">Vaccines can be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim</a>

The traveller is a 32-year-old local who had landed at the Guarulhos International Airport near Sao Paulo on May 22 and is a resident of Campos dos Goytacazes in Rio de Janeiro state.

This has raised concerns about another possible outbreak in the country due to this variant. The health officials worry that a similar tragedy such as India’s second wave can happen in Brazil too if the variant spreads in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victoria-orders-snap-lockdown-for-7-days-as-covid-cases-double-387646">Australia: Victoria orders snap-lockdown for 7 days as covid cases double</a>

The health authorities have now asked for a full list of the passengers who have travelled from India to Brazil in the last few days, including details of the airport staff and other people who might have come in contact with the travellers.

These people will be asked to isolate themselves and will be monitored for symptoms of the deadly coronavirus.

As of now, Brazil has lost more than 450,000 people to the deadly virus, which is one of the worst death tolls in the world. The figure has also been caused due to the domestic variant of the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

A traveller who had arrived in Brazil has tested positive for the B.1.617.2 variant of coronavirus, which was first detected by health officials in India. On Wednesday, Sao Paulo health officials reported that the traveller had been detected with the variant which has been classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by WHO.

A traveller who had arrived in Brazil has tested positive for the B.1.617.2 variant of coronavirus, which was first detected by health officials in India. On Wednesday, Sao Paulo health officials reported that the traveller had been detected with the variant which has been classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by WHO. Also read | Vaccines can be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim The traveller is a 32-year-old local who had landed at the Guarulhos International Airport near Sao Paulo on May 22 and is a resident of Campos dos Goytacazes in Rio de Janeiro state. This has raised concerns about another possible outbreak in the country due to this variant. The health officials worry that a similar tragedy such as India’s second wave can happen in Brazil too if the variant spreads in the country. Also read | Australia: Victoria orders snap-lockdown for 7 days as covid cases double The health authorities have now asked for a full list of the passengers who have travelled from India to Brazil in the last few days, including details of the airport staff and other people who might have come in contact with the travellers. These people will be asked to isolate themselves and will be monitored for symptoms of the deadly coronavirus. As of now, Brazil has lost more than 450,000 people to the deadly virus, which is one of the worst death tolls in the world. The figure has also been caused due to the domestic variant of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil reports case of B.1.617.2 variant of coronavirus; health officials sound alarm

Canada has extended its ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan by 30 days to June 21 as part of a campaign to fight <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Friday.

Alghabra said Canada had seen "a significant reduction" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> infections among arriving airline passengers since Ottawa first announced the bans on April 22 as the number of cases in India soared. The move does not affect cargo flights.

"These ongoing measures will remain in place to help protect Canadians and to manage the elevated risk of imported cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern," he told a briefing.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-suspends-direct-passenger-flights-from-india-amid-covid-19-outbreak-380686">Australia suspends direct passenger flights from India amid COVID-19 outbreak</a>

As vaccinations pick up across Canada, the number of daily new cases has dropped by 25 per cent since last week and it now averages around 5,000, deputy chief public health officer Howard Njoo told the briefing.

Canada has so far recorded a total of 25,111 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 1.3 million cases overall.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-restricts-travel-from-high-risk-india-379851">Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India</a>

The ban on Indian and Pakistani flights is part of a series of restrictions Canada has imposed to lower the transmission of the virus, including curbs on non-essential travel across the long land border with the United States.

Canada said on Thursday that the measure, first applied in March 2020, would be extended by another month to June 21. Government officials said they were in no hurry to open up travel across the border, citing the need to protect public health.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-bars-travellers-from-india-over-coronavirus-variant-386596">Colombia bars travellers from India over coronavirus variant</a>

Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces, announced on Friday that it would begin administering second doses of AstraZeneca Inc's COVID-19 vaccine after earlier halting roll out due to concerns about rare blood clots.

The province has tens of thousands of AstraZeneca doses set to expire at the end of May.

Canada has extended its ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan by 30 days to June 21 as part of a campaign to fight COVID-19, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Friday.

Canada has extended its ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan by 30 days to June 21 as part of a campaign to fight COVID-19, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Friday. Alghabra said Canada had seen "a significant reduction" in coronavirus infections among arriving airline passengers since Ottawa first announced the bans on April 22 as the number of cases in India soared. The move does not affect cargo flights. "These ongoing measures will remain in place to help protect Canadians and to manage the elevated risk of imported cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern," he told a briefing. Also Read | Australia suspends direct passenger flights from India amid COVID-19 outbreak As vaccinations pick up across Canada, the number of daily new cases has dropped by 25 per cent since last week and it now averages around 5,000, deputy chief public health officer Howard Njoo told the briefing. Canada has so far recorded a total of 25,111 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 1.3 million cases overall. Also Read | Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India The ban on Indian and Pakistani flights is part of a series of restrictions Canada has imposed to lower the transmission of the virus, including curbs on non-essential travel across the long land border with the United States. Canada said on Thursday that the measure, first applied in March 2020, would be extended by another month to June 21. Government officials said they were in no hurry to open up travel across the border, citing the need to protect public health. Also Read | Colombia bars travellers from India over coronavirus variant Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces, announced on Friday that it would begin administering second doses of AstraZeneca Inc's COVID-19 vaccine after earlier halting roll out due to concerns about rare blood clots. The province has tens of thousands of AstraZeneca doses set to expire at the end of May.

Canada extends ban on passenger flights from India, Pakistan

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccines-have-spawned-nine-new-billionaires-campaign-group-386178"> virus </a>variants.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/black-fungus-infections-on-the-rise-in-india-386219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"All COVID-19 virus variants that have emerged so far do respond to the available, approved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-purchase-of-covid-vaccines-from-china-386133">vaccines</a>," Kluge said while asserting that social distancing norms should be continued to be followed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier expressed a similar opinion saying that his government had "increasing confidence that vaccinations are effective against all variants" including the one first found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-self-test-covid-19-at-home-icmr-approves-home-based-rapid-antigen-tests-kit-386182">India</a> while urging citizens to travel only to "amber" countries on the UK list.

Britain on Wednesday reported 2,696 COVID-19 cases and three deaths taking the total number of cases to 4.4 million including over 127, 690 deaths.

"Right now, in the face of a continued threat and new uncertainty, we need to continue to exercise caution and rethink or avoid international travel," WHO's European director said.

WHO's latest statement comes as Europe reopens for business and several British citizens recently vaccinated have decided to visit mainland Europe this summer.

"Vaccines may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot be blinded by that light," Kluge said. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US which was the hardest hit due to the virus recorded seven-day moving average deaths at 545 on May 16 which was essentially the number when the pandemic began in the country in March last year.

The United States has recorded over 33 million cases and over 587,870 deaths which is the highest in the world.&nbsp;

According to reports, 60 per cent of the US adult population has now been vaccinated including over 600,000 in the age group of 12-15 after the authorities allowed vaccination for teenagers.

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the virus variants.

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the virus variants. Watch: "All COVID-19 virus variants that have emerged so far do respond to the available, approved vaccines," Kluge said while asserting that social distancing norms should be continued to be followed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier expressed a similar opinion saying that his government had "increasing confidence that vaccinations are effective against all variants" including the one first found in India while urging citizens to travel only to "amber" countries on the UK list. Britain on Wednesday reported 2,696 COVID-19 cases and three deaths taking the total number of cases to 4.4 million including over 127, 690 deaths. "Right now, in the face of a continued threat and new uncertainty, we need to continue to exercise caution and rethink or avoid international travel," WHO's European director said. WHO's latest statement comes as Europe reopens for business and several British citizens recently vaccinated have decided to visit mainland Europe this summer. "Vaccines may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot be blinded by that light," Kluge said. Meanwhile, the US which was the hardest hit due to the virus recorded seven-day moving average deaths at 545 on May 16 which was essentially the number when the pandemic began in the country in March last year. The United States has recorded over 33 million cases and over 587,870 deaths which is the highest in the world. According to reports, 60 per cent of the US adult population has now been vaccinated including over 600,000 in the age group of 12-15 after the authorities allowed vaccination for teenagers.

All COVID-19 virus variants respond to approved vaccines: WHO

The variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> that has wreaked havoc in India has been found in dozens of other countries all around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday.

As per the UN health agency, the B.1.617&nbsp;variant of coronavirus, which was first identified in India in October, has been detected in more than 4,500 samples from "44 countries in all six WHO regions" through an open-access database.

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The agency has also "received reports of detections from five additional countries", WHO updated.

This has been announced a few hours after the WHO labelled this variant as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-lists-covid-strain-first-detected-in-india-as-variant-of-concern-384201">"variant of concern"</a> and has been added to the list of the deadly variants along with the ones found in Brazil and the UK. These three variants are being labelled to be more dangerous than the original version of the deadly virus that broke out towards the end of 2019.

After India, the B.1.617 variant has been majorly found in the UK. It has been added to the list as it seems to be transmitting faster and more easily than the original virus and, thus, hints towards the "rapid increases in prevalence in multiple countries".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-a-crisis-that-shook-india-383740">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-a-crisis-that-shook-india-383740/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WHO has also warned that this variant might be more resistant to the existing vaccines and treatment with the monoclonal antibody Bamlanivimab. While this is based on preliminary evidence, the WHO stressed that "real-world impacts" on the effectiveness of the existing vaccines might be limited.

Talking about the spread of this variant in India, leading to a covid crisis in the country, the WHO said, "WHO found that resurgence and acceleration of COVID-19 transmission in India had several potential contributing factors, including increase in the proportion of cases of SARS-CoV-2 variants with potentially increased transmissibility."

The variant of coronavirus that has wreaked havoc in India has been found in dozens of other countries all around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday.

The variant of coronavirus that has wreaked havoc in India has been found in dozens of other countries all around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday. As per the UN health agency, the B.1.617 variant of coronavirus, which was first identified in India in October, has been detected in more than 4,500 samples from "44 countries in all six WHO regions" through an open-access database. Also read | Risk for erectile dysfunction six-fold higher in men with COVID-19 The agency has also "received reports of detections from five additional countries", WHO updated. This has been announced a few hours after the WHO labelled this variant as a "variant of concern" and has been added to the list of the deadly variants along with the ones found in Brazil and the UK. These three variants are being labelled to be more dangerous than the original version of the deadly virus that broke out towards the end of 2019. After India, the B.1.617 variant has been majorly found in the UK. It has been added to the list as it seems to be transmitting faster and more easily than the original virus and, thus, hints towards the "rapid increases in prevalence in multiple countries". Watch | WHO has also warned that this variant might be more resistant to the existing vaccines and treatment with the monoclonal antibody Bamlanivimab. While this is based on preliminary evidence, the WHO stressed that "real-world impacts" on the effectiveness of the existing vaccines might be limited. Talking about the spread of this variant in India, leading to a covid crisis in the country, the WHO said, "WHO found that resurgence and acceleration of COVID-19 transmission in India had several potential contributing factors, including increase in the proportion of cases of SARS-CoV-2 variants with potentially increased transmissibility."

Covid variant first detected in India found in 44 other countries: WHO

Uganda has detected the first case of a variant of COVID-19 that was first found in India. This has brought in fears that the East African country might suffer another surge in coronavirus cases.

"Yes, we have got one individual who has that variant," Pontiano Kaleebu, head of the government-run Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-covid-crisis-envoy-ugo-astuto-speaks-about-assistance-by-the-eu-381727">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-covid-crisis-envoy-ugo-astuto-speaks-about-assistance-by-the-eu-381727/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The variant was detected in an individual who had returned to Uganda from India in the past few days.

Following the identification of this variant, the Health Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Ainebyoona that the country’s task force will meet on Friday to discuss the situation further.

Till now, Uganda has not been severely hit by the deadly coronavirus, like many other African countries. However, the identification of this case has brought in fears that the country might get hit by another surge of cases, especially considering this specific variant has been labelled as one of the most contagious ones.

The strong relationship between Uganda and India can also act as a major exporter of the variant to Uganda.

Uganda has detected the first case of a variant of COVID-19 that was first found in India. This has brought in fears that the East African country might suffer another surge in coronavirus cases.

Uganda has detected the first case of a variant of COVID-19 that was first found in India. This has brought in fears that the East African country might suffer another surge in coronavirus cases. "Yes, we have got one individual who has that variant," Pontiano Kaleebu, head of the government-run Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) said. Watch | The variant was detected in an individual who had returned to Uganda from India in the past few days. Following the identification of this variant, the Health Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Ainebyoona that the country’s task force will meet on Friday to discuss the situation further. Till now, Uganda has not been severely hit by the deadly coronavirus, like many other African countries. However, the identification of this case has brought in fears that the country might get hit by another surge of cases, especially considering this specific variant has been labelled as one of the most contagious ones. The strong relationship between Uganda and India can also act as a major exporter of the variant to Uganda.

Uganda detects first case of Covid variant first found in India

At least 10 Chinese sailors have been infected with an "imported" variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, health authorities reported on Thursday.

The infections were found on a cargo ship docked at a port in eastern China. These cases have been reported in the last 24 hours and are among the 20 Chinese crew members of the cargo ship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-lost-nearly-800-billion-in-income-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-381418" hreflang="en">Women lost nearly $800 billion in income due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

Health officials of Zhejiang reported that of these 11 cases of "imported" Covid infection, one sailor was asymptomatic.

While the cargo ship, Huayang Chaoyang, is now docked at the Zhoushan port, it had also docked at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh earlier this year in addition to making stops at Chittagong in Bangladesh, Singapore, and Xiamen in China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/young-people-who-recovered-from-covid-19-face-risk-of-reinfection-study-381384" hreflang="en">Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study</a>

The staff tested positive when the cargo ship docked in China for some repair work and the workers showed symptoms and were, therefore, checked for infection to the virus.

This has come after the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the B.1.617 variant of coronavirus has been found in nearly 17 countries — although China was not named in that list.

Out of 20 cases reported in the last 24 hours, Chinese health authorities have claimed all the cases were infections that had originated overseas.

At least 10 Chinese sailors have been infected with an "imported" variant of coronavirus, health authorities reported on Thursday. The infections were found on a cargo ship docked at a port in eastern China.

At least 10 Chinese sailors have been infected with an "imported" variant of coronavirus, health authorities reported on Thursday. The infections were found on a cargo ship docked at a port in eastern China. These cases have been reported in the last 24 hours and are among the 20 Chinese crew members of the cargo ship. Also read | Women lost nearly $800 billion in income due to coronavirus pandemic Health officials of Zhejiang reported that of these 11 cases of "imported" Covid infection, one sailor was asymptomatic. While the cargo ship, Huayang Chaoyang, is now docked at the Zhoushan port, it had also docked at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh earlier this year in addition to making stops at Chittagong in Bangladesh, Singapore, and Xiamen in China. Also read | Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study The staff tested positive when the cargo ship docked in China for some repair work and the workers showed symptoms and were, therefore, checked for infection to the virus. This has come after the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the B.1.617 variant of coronavirus has been found in nearly 17 countries — although China was not named in that list. Out of 20 cases reported in the last 24 hours, Chinese health authorities have claimed all the cases were infections that had originated overseas.

China: 10 sailors infected with 'imported' Covid variant

The co-founder of BionNTech&nbsp;on Wednesday said that testing of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>variant first found in India is underway and expressed confidence its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine </a>will work against the strain.&nbsp;

"We are still testing the Indian variant, but the Indian variant has mutations that we have already tested for and which our vaccine works against, so I am confident," Ugur Sahin, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-asked-to-mask-up-at-home-380631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The remarks came as the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that the variant found in India could be a factor in the huge rise of infections in the country and has been found in more than a dozen nations.&nbsp;

It said the B.1.617 strain, first detected in India had as of Tuesday been found in more than 1,200 sequences added in the GISAID open-access database "from at least 17 countries".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-has-failed-india-amid-record-surge-in-covid-19-cases-says-top-us-disease-expert-fauci-381019">World has failed India amid record surge in COVID-19 cases, says top US disease expert Fauci</a>

"Most sequences were uploaded from India, the United Kingdom, USA and Singapore," the WHO said.

The global health agency recently declared B.1.617 as a "variant of interest," but still did not include it in the list of "variant of concern".

The "variant of concern" means that the virus could be more transmissible, deadly or can kill the effects of the vaccine.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the new wave of COVID-19 continues to bring a massive surge in infections and death toll in India as the fatality toll went pass 200,000 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

India for the last many days is seeing the maximum number of daily cases than any other nation with hospitals reaching their capacity and patients struggling to get emergency care, oxygen and essential drugs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The co-founder of BionNTech on Wednesday said that testing of the coronavirus variant first found in India is underway and expressed confidence its vaccine will work against the strain.

The co-founder of BionNTech on Wednesday said that testing of the coronavirus variant first found in India is underway and expressed confidence its vaccine will work against the strain. "We are still testing the Indian variant, but the Indian variant has mutations that we have already tested for and which our vaccine works against, so I am confident," Ugur Sahin, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Watch | The remarks came as the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that the variant found in India could be a factor in the huge rise of infections in the country and has been found in more than a dozen nations. It said the B.1.617 strain, first detected in India had as of Tuesday been found in more than 1,200 sequences added in the GISAID open-access database "from at least 17 countries". Also read | World has failed India amid record surge in COVID-19 cases, says top US disease expert Fauci "Most sequences were uploaded from India, the United Kingdom, USA and Singapore," the WHO said. The global health agency recently declared B.1.617 as a "variant of interest," but still did not include it in the list of "variant of concern". The "variant of concern" means that the virus could be more transmissible, deadly or can kill the effects of the vaccine. Meanwhile, the new wave of COVID-19 continues to bring a massive surge in infections and death toll in India as the fatality toll went pass 200,000 on Wednesday. India for the last many days is seeing the maximum number of daily cases than any other nation with hospitals reaching their capacity and patients struggling to get emergency care, oxygen and essential drugs. (With inputs from agencies)

BioNTech founder 'confident' its Covid vaccine willl work against strain first found in India