The B.1.617 variant of SARS-CoV-2 found in India is said to be more virulent. Some reports say that this variant is spreading faster, more infectious and can infect entire families.

Now, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus as 'variant of concern' at the global level.

Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, COVID-19 Technical Lead at the WHO said that, "B.1.617 virus variant that was first identified in India had been classified as a variant of interest by the WHO".

She said that the Epi team and WHO lab team are working together on finding the intensity of the virus spread in India as well as in other countries where the new variant is circulating.

She said that after consulting with the virus evolution working group, Epi teams and lab teams, there is some available evidence to indicate the increased transmissibility of B-1617, as a variant of concern at the global level.

She further added that, "We need a lot of information about this virus variant in this lineage, so we need to do more focused sequencing."

She said that we need to work harder to control the virus variants that are showing increased transmissibility.

Maria Van Kerkhove added that, "We will continue to see new variants and we must do everything so that we can contain the spread of virus, limit infections and reduce the deaths."

She said that is important to follow COVID-19 behaviour and should maintain physical distancing, hand hygiene, wearing masks, avoid crowded spaces, improving ventilation, etc." She said that it is crucial to create an environment so that we can be safe and secure.