Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw sounds alarm on Twitter as new variant of Covid-19 triggers panic across the world

Earlier this week, scientists in South Africa identified a new version of the Covid-19 which they said is the reason behind a recent spike in virus cases in Gauteng, the country's most populous province. Authorities confirmed at least 22 positive cases associated with the new variant on Thursday.

The new variant of Covid, feared to have a high amount of spike mutations unseen before and known as B.1.1.529, carries a serious threat.

As the scientists around the world are on a look out for the new variant and monitoring signs of gaining momentum, Indian business leader Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw took to Twitter to alert her fans on the latest Covid-19 update.


The business leader took to her official Twitter handle with over 1.6 million followers to spread the word and sound an alarm.

Biocon Limited boss, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw shared an article on Twitter, writing, "Scientists are warning of a new Covid variant, B.1.1.529, which carries 32 mutations in the spike protein. The variant was first spotted in Botswana and six cases have been found in South Africa."


Earlier this week, Dr Tom Peacock, a virologist at the Imperial College London, had posted details of the new variant classed as B.1.1.529 on his Twitter account, following which scientists have been weighing in on what is being considered a variant of concern, though it is yet to be formally categorised in the UK. The high number of spike mutations are concerning from the point of view of both higher transmissibility and immune evasion.