The Delta variant or B.1.617.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2, which was the main reason behind the deadly outbreak of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has further mutated to form the ‘Delta plus’ or ‘AY.1’ variant.
Maharashtra has been the worst affected state with COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic. Now it is believed that the ‘Delta plus’ variant of the COVID-19 could trigger a third wave of the pandemic in Maharashtra.
According to a presentation made at a meeting on Wednesday with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in attendance, the highly virulent ‘Delta plus’ variant of the novel coronavirus could stoke the third wave in Maharashtra.
It is also expected that 10% of the cases could come from children or young adults, a phenomenon also seen in the first two waves.
Stressing on the need to practice Covid-appropriate behaviour, Dr Shashank Joshi, member of the task force, said the state could face the same situation as UK where a third wave hit within four weeks of ebbing of the second wave.
