Two cases of Kappa variant detected in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow : Two cases of highly contagious Kappa variant have been detected in Uttar Pradesh through the genome sequencing of samples, the state government said today.

According to an official statement, two samples at Lucknow's King George medical college tested positive for the Kappa variant. 107 samples have been tested positive for the Delta Plus variant.

CM Yogi Adityanath has been notified about the new detections, said the official. 

"Both the variants are not new for the state. The facility of genome sequencing is being increased in the state," the statement issued after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Covid review meeting said.

Genome sequencing is a laboratory process that is instrumental in characterising the mutations and tracking disease outbreaks.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh has a positivity rate of 0.04 per cent.

When asked about the Kappa variant, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said earlier also cases of this variant were found in the state.

"There is nothing to worry about. This is a variant of coronavirus and its treatment is possible," Mr Prasad was quoted saying by news agency PTI.