The AY.1 and AY.2 sub-lineages of the highly contagious Delta variant of Sars-Cov-2 are unlikely to be more transmissible than Delta itself, said the consortium of government panels involved in genome sequencing of coronavirus. It is likely that neither AY.1 nor AY.2 is more transmissible than Delta,” the INSACOG said. The emergence of AY.1, also known as the Delta Plus variant, caused concern for health authorities due to the lack of data on its transmissibility factor and risks associated with it. The Delta Plus variant characterised by B.1.617.2 variant acquiring another mutation, K417N, also found in the B.1.351 or Beta variant. There are no known significant properties of this mutation, but since it is a Delta VOC sub-lineage, INSACOG will continue to monitor it, the bulletin stated.

Source: Hindustan Times July 14, 2021 15:56 UTC