The highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 which took India by storm has now been classified as a "variant of concern" (VOC) by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC in a statement on Tuesday noted the Delta (B.1.617.2) and five other variants, including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), B.1.427 (Epsilon), B.1.429 (Epsilon), of concern.
A variant is given the VOC designation when it is associated with an increase in transmissibility or severity. It also means the effectiveness of the existing public health measures, vaccines, treatments and tests that detect the virus may be less weary against a VOC.
As of June 5, the delta variant accounted for 9.9 per cent of total cases in the US, as per the CDC estimates. However, in a recent turn of events, the variant accounts for 10.3 per cent of cases, bringing in fears of Delta dominating the US within a month. Currently, the U.S. has more than 33.4 million confirmed coronavirus cases and at least 600,400 deaths, with the US still leading with the most number of virus detections.
The Delta variant, which was first identified in India, is pushing forth to the west and has now taken over 90 per cent of the UK's total cases. It is recorded as a highly contagious strain and is said to be spreading rapidly among young people between 12 and 20 years old.
However, the reports indicate Covid19 cases have been declining over the past few months in the United States, with concerns prevailing that the situation could slow down the pace of vaccinations.