Covid variant: Panel awaits Central report

Nischith N | NT

A report of a new Coronavirus sub-variant XE in Mumbai, has caused a lot of panic and anxiety in people and the government, especially in the wake of lifting of Covid-19 curbs by various governments.

The state Technical Advisory Committee has clarified that the present evidence does not suggest the presence of the new variant, as there are still some doubts and concerns regarding the origin and transmissibility of this new variant.

Dr M.K. Sudarshan, and Chairman-Technical Advisory Committee, told News Trail, “Yes, many governments have relaxed the Covid protocol. But there is nothing to worry at this point, because we have to wait for the Central government report and till then the present protocol will continue. It is important to wear a face mask at public places.”

It is known that Omicron is circulating around the world and has many sub-lineages. Tere is no evidence to show that the XE variant is significantly different from the other varieties.