New coronavirus strain detected in Vietnam: What we know so far

Vietnam officials have detected a new strain of coronavirus that is a combination of the variants found in India and the UK, which spreads faster as well. Vietnam had successfully contained the surge last year but since April, the cases have been rising at an accelerated rate.

Vietnam had earlier detected other mutations of coronavirus, seven in total, and will soon publish the genome data of the newfound strain.

The WHO has identified the strains that have emerged in India, Britain, South Africa and Brazil, and are yet to make an assessment of the Vietnam situation.

The new mutation could explain why cases in the country are rising so quickly. The strain was earlier thought to be the variant found in India, with an additional mutation.

Vietnam has been working to secure 10 million doses as part of the COVAX scheme, along with 20 million from Pfizer and 40 million from Sputnik V. The country has received 2.9 doses already and aims to secure about 150 million doses in 2021.