Insacog enhances genome sequencing in Delhi, Pune and Bengaluru

The consortium tasked with genome sequencing in India has decided that all Covid-19 positive samples from three cities - Delhi, Pune and Bengaluru - will be sent for genome sequencing to understand the evolving pattern of the pandemic in the country. So far, Insacog or the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium, has not found clear evidence on the severity of the symptoms, or the ability of the Omicron variant to evade immune response in India, it said in its latest bulletin.

According to the health ministry, Omicron is at least "three times more transmissible than Delta".

The genome sequencing body had said there were some indicators that the severity of the disease caused by the variant may be milder. However, it added that there was insufficient data to determine whether this is because of prior infections or vaccination.


"To understand the pattern and how Covid-19 is behaving in the country, genome sequencing will be enhanced. These cities have been told to start sending all samples for genome sequencing," said a person in the know.

On Tuesday, the national capital recorded 102 fresh Covid-19 cases, the highest since June 27, and one death, as the positivity rate stood at 0.20%, according to data shared by the Delhi health department.

"There has been an uptick in cases in Delhi and Pune and since the first case of Omciron was detected from Bengaluru, it was decided to send all samples from these cities for genome sequencing," added the same person.