Delta plus is variant of concern & special surveillance being done in 12 States: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that Delta plus is a variant of concern and special surveillance is being done in the 12 States wherein these variants have been detected. Addressing at the 29th Group of Ministers meeting yesterday, the Union Minister said, scientists are studying about the severity, disease transmissibility and immune escape of this virus. He added that virus’ effect on the vaccine is being studied. 

Talking about the significant decline in Covid-19 cases, he said, 14 States are witnessing less than 100 cases per million in the country.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, India has surpassed the United States of



America in administration of cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses to the beneficiaries. He said, over 32 crore 36 lakh vaccine doses have been administered in the country so far whereas in the United States over 32 crore 33 lakh vaccine doses have been given.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizer Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey have attended the meeting. Member Health Niti Aayog, Dr. VK Paul, ICMR Director General Balram Bhargav, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and other senior officials have also participated in the meeting.