By Paul Griffin, The University of Queensland It seems every few weeks we hear about a new COVID variant, and it's hard to know how concerned we ought to be. A "recombinant" variant has emerged, dubbed "<keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> XE", which is the result of two omicron strains merging together in a single host and then going on to infect others. So what do we know about this new hybrid, and do we need to worry? A bit about Omicron and its variants Omicron is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that was first discovered in Botswana on November 11 2021 and designated a variant of concern by the WHO on November 26. Since this time, it has been transmitted worldwide and replaced <keyword id="13452822" type="COMPANY" weightage="50" keywordseo="delta" source="Orion" meta.marketcap="5.23121" meta.tagname="Delta Industrial Resources Ltd" meta.tagpopularcount="0" meta.sectorid="542" meta.entitytype="company" meta.matchtype="exact" meta.aum="0" meta.entityid="2207" meta.tagseoname="delta-industrial-resources-ltd" meta.sector="Miscellaneous" meta.tagnameorg="Delta Industrial Resources Ltd.">Delta</keyword> to become the dominant variant. Omicron has since continued to evolve to have multiple different lineages, or genetically related subvariants. This includes the original Omicron BA.1 (B.1.1.529) and also BA.2 and BA.3. BA.2 is more infectious than BA.1 and has now taken over or outcompeted BA.1 to become the new dominant form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide, with the WHO officially announcing this to be the case on March 22 2022. The differences we have seen with Omicron relative to previous variants are explained by the relatively large number of mutations it has acquired, with 60 mutations not found in the original virus arising from Wuhan, <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword>. Among these mutations are 32 genetic changes in the spike protein. The spike protein is the part of the virus it uses to attach to human cells, as well as the target of the immune response against the virus, from both vaccines and prior infection. BA.2 shares many of these same mutations as the original Omicron variant, but also has 28 unique genetic changes of its own. Four of these genetic changes are in the spike protein, which explains why some of its characteristics are different to the original Omicron variant (BA.1), including the fact it appears to be approximately 30 to 50% more infectious than BA.1. What's a 'recombinant'? Just as we have seen new variants arise, followed by the evolution of subvariants or different lineages, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has continued to change in other ways as well. In recent times we have seen not just spontaneous changes in the genetic code that have accounted for the changes described above, but also so-called recombinants. A recombinant is where related viruses exchange genetic material to create offspring with genetic material from both parent viruses. This can arise when viruses of two different strains (or variants or subvariants) co-infect the same cell. The genetic material of the viruses can get mixed and packaged together to make a new recombinant virus, with properties of either or both parent viruses. The properties of the recombinant virus therefore depend on which parts of the genetic material from the parent viruses make it into the new version - just like you might have your mum's nose and your dad's knees. When Delta and Omicron recombine, the resulting progeny have been referred to as "Deltacron" (although more officially these are referred to as XD and XF). This type of recombinant was first identified in France in mid-February and seems to have a genetic sequence mostly the same as Delta, but with aspects of the spike protein from Omicron BA.1. So what is XE and where is it spreading? XE is a recombination of BA.1 and BA.2. There are many other BA.1 and BA.2 recombinants, including XQ in the UK, XG from Denmark, XJ from Finland and XK from Belgium. While XE still comprises a small proportion of total sequenced cases, it has shown evidence of community transmission, at least within England where it was first detected in mid-January. There have now been just over 1,100 cases recorded. It has also been identified in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>, China and Thailand. Initially the growth rate for XE appeared to not be significantly different from BA.2, but more recent data from the UK suggests it has a growth rate of around 10 to 20% above that of BA.2. This data remains preliminary and based on small numbers, so may change as we get more information. If it is true, then this means XE is likely to be slightly more contagious than BA.2, which was slightly more contagious than BA.1, which was more contagious than Delta. Do we need to worry? Our immune response that helps to protect against COVID-19 is generated by vaccination or from previous infection, and it mostly targets the spike protein. Given XE basically has the same spike protein as BA.2, it doesn't appear our protection against XE will be significantly reduced. While this is something public health agencies and expert groups certainly should monitor, and they are, it isn't really something that is unexpected given the number of cases we continue to see worldwide. So it shouldn't be a cause of extra concern for the general public. The best way to slow the emergence of new variants, as well as recombinants, remains having as many people in the world protected by vaccination to reduce the pool of susceptible hosts in which these events can occur. (This article is syndicated by PTI from The Conversation) SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/as-ghosting-haunts-employers-wounded-hr-representatives-take-to-linkedin-to-call-candidates-out-experts-call-it-unethical/articleshow/90868716.cms">As ‘ghosting’ haunts employers, wounded HR representatives take to Linkedin to call candidates out. 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What's the new Omicron XE variant and should I be worried?

<ul><li>The <keyword id="13537856" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="XE-strain" source="Orion">XE strain</keyword> was first detected in the UK on January 19 this year and till then over 600 cases have been reported.</li><li>The WHO further said that the transmission rate of this new variant is 10% faster than that of BA.2, which makes it the fastest transmissible mutant.</li><li>The new mutation has emerged when most countries are removing the <keyword id="8763838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19" source="Orion">COVID-19</keyword> restrictions and are reporting a decline in the daily number of cases.</li></ul>A new mutant strain of the <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> variant of COVID-19 or SARS CoV-2 is raising concerns in parts of the United Kingdom, which has a higher transmission rate, reportedly. The XE strain was first detected in the UK on January 19 this year and till then over 600 cases have been reported. The <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> said that it is a recombination of both BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron strains. The WHO further said that the transmission rate of this new variant is 10% faster than that of BA.2, which makes it the fastest transmissible mutant. “Early-day estimates indicate a community growth rate advantage of about 10% as compared to BA.2, however, this finding requires further confirmation,” said WHO in a statement. Earlier, Omicron was known to be the fastest transmitting mutation. However, to confirm this, WHO said that they require more facts and studies. The world health body has also kept this strain under the Omicron variant until any new major differences are established in terms of transmission, severity, or characteristics. However, on the other hand, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which tracks the COVID cases, has analysed three recombinants — XF, XE, and XD. It further informed that XD and XF are recombinants of Delta and Omicron BA.1, while XE is a recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. Recombination of variants happens only when a person gets infected with two or more variants at the same time, which further leads to the mixing of genetic material in the body. “The earliest of these has a specimen date of 19 January 2022. There is currently insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about growth advantage or other properties of this variant,” said UKHSA in a statement. Further commenting on the severity of the XE variant, WHO said, “XE continues to belong to the Omicron variant until significant differences in transmission and disease characteristics, including severity, may be reported.” WHO further said that they continue to closely monitor and assess the public health risk which are associated with the recombined variants and will also provide updates if further evidence is recorded. The new mutation has emerged when most countries are removing the COVID-19 restrictions and are reporting a decline in the daily number of cases. The third wave of the pandemic was triggered by the Omicron variant, which was comparatively less severe than the Delta variant, where people were largely suffering from normal cold, cough, and fever. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/26-ministers-resign-amidst-worst-economic-crisis-in-sri-lanka/articleshow/90636894.cms">26 ministers resign amidst worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/grammys-2022-award-meet-falguni-shah-who-won-the-best-childrens-music-album-of-the-year-2022/slidelist/90634995.cms">Meet Falguni Shah who won the best children’s music album of the year award at the Grammy’s</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/petrol-and-diesel-prices-hiked-for-the-12th-time-in-two-weeks-in-india/articleshow/90632950.cms">Petrol and diesel prices hiked for the 12th time in two weeks</a>

The new XE mutant of the COVID-19 pandemic – all you need to know about it

One of <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s top virologists, <keyword id="4956514" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="gagandeep-kang" source="Orion">Gagandeep Kang</keyword>, said on Thursday that going by what we know about the 'XE' variant of Covid-19 till now, it doesn't seem there is too much cause to worry. The variant spreads a little faster, but it doesn't seem to cause a more severe disease, she told IANS. "We are more worried about severe diseases, and if that's not happening, I think we should track it, but not worry too much about it," <keyword id="235260" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="kang" source="Orion">Kang</keyword> said on the reported detection of the 'XE' variant in Mumbai. However, the INSACOG has denied the detection of XE variant, saying that this variant does not correlate with the genomic picture of the 'XE' variant. INSACOG is the forum set up under the <keyword id="191419" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ministry-of-health-and-family-welfare" source="Orion">Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</keyword> to study and monitor genome sequencing and virus variation of circulating strains of Covid-19 in India. Speaking to IANS, Kang said that it is for the INSACOG to say whether it is really XE, but we shouldn't be worried about it as sooner or later we are likely to see the XE variant in the country. She emphasised that whenever we see a new variant, the important thing is to note what implications it has for the country -- is it going to start a new wave, are people going to fall seriously sick etc. Talking about reports claiming that the XE variant has 10 per cent more transmissibility as compared to <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword>, Kang said that these are findings from the UK, because they do a lot of sequencing. "For them, it is possible to look at the secondary attack rate, i.e., if one person is infected, how many persons will get infected from that primary source and also how fast will that happen. Only in the UK, finding such data is possible, but in India we don't even notice," she said. Commenting on a Covid booster dose for all in India, Kang said that there is no need for booster for all. "Recently, sero-survey has indicated that about 80 per cent of children who have not been vaccinated are sero positive. It means that 80 per cent of the population has exposure to the virus. If 80 per cent has already been infected or exposed to the virus, along with two doses of vaccine, why should booster be given to those people who are generally healthy? "Administering a precautionary doses to those who are at the risk of severe diseases makes sense, but not for a healthy population." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/ev-based-zypp-electric-appoints-tushar-mehta-as-cofounder-coo/articleshow/90706435.cms">EV-based Zypp Electric appoints Tushar Mehta as cofounder, COO</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/unacademy-reportedly-lays-off-1000-employees-from-sales-business-and-other-functions/articleshow/90709336.cms">Unacademy reportedly lays off 1000 employees from sales, business and other functions</a>

Eminent virologist says no need to worry about the 'XE' variant of Omicron

Even as reports emerge of a Mumbai-based <keyword id="143" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bollywood" source="Orion">Bollywood</keyword> costume designer becoming India's first person to test positive for the new <keyword id="13533435" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="covid-xe" source="Orion">Covid XE</keyword> variant, here are a few things to know about the variant. The <keyword id="6356311" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="world-health-organisation" source="Orion">World Health Organisation</keyword> (WHO) had last week issued a warning against a new mutant that may be more transmissible than any strain of Covid-19 seen before. 'XE' is a mutant hybrid of the two previous versions of the <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> variant, BA.1 and BA.2, which spread across the world. It was first detected from the UK on January 19 and since then a few hundred sequences have been reported and confirmed. According to the WHO, XE has a community growth rate advantage of about 10 per cent as compared to BA.2 subvariant, which is already the most contagious. While XE only accounts for a small fraction of the cases, its extremely high transmissibility could mean that it becomes the most dominant strain in the near future. "The XE recombinant (BA.1-BA.2), was first detected in the UK on January 19 and less than 600 sequences have been reported and confirmed since," said the recent WHO report. "Early-day estimates indicate a community growth rate advantage of 10 per cent as compared to BA.2, however, this finding requires further confirmation," it added. According to the UK Health Security Agency, XE comes with symptoms such as running noses, sneezing and sore throats, as opposed to the original strain of the virus which generally led to fever, coughs and a loss of taste or smell. And the NHS added shortness of breath, feeling tired or exhausted, an aching body, a headache, a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick. The agency stated that as of March 22, 637 cases of XE had been detected in England. The XE variant has also been detected in Thailand and New Zealand. The WHO has said further data is required before more can be said about the mutation. According to <keyword id="12857050" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="susan-hopkins" source="Orion">Susan Hopkins</keyword>, chief medical adviser for <keyword id="12577993" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ukhsa" source="Orion">UKHSA</keyword>, more data is needed to confirm whether XE has a "true growth advantage", as it has shown a "variable growth rate" so far over the time it has been monitored, <keyword id="6373044" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="forbes" source="Orion">Forbes</keyword> reported. There is also insufficient evidence to draw any conclusion on transmissibility, severity or vaccine effectiveness, Hopkins added. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/top-10-richest-people-in-real-estate-real-estate-market-real-estate-market-in-india-rajiv-singh-dlf-top-10/slidelist/90684600.cms">DLF’s Rajiv Singh is the richest person in real estate sector in India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/price-of-lemons-rises-with-temperature-in-jaipur-reaches-400-per-kg-in-last-24-hours/articleshow/90686436.cms">Price of lemons rises with temperature in Jaipur, reaches ₹400 per kg in last 24 hours</a>

India records its first case of COVID-19 variant 'Omicron XE' in Mumbai

NEW DELHI: INSACOG experts are conducting genomic analysis of a coronavirus case reported as that of the highly transmissible XE variant by <keyword id="6358070" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="mumbai" source="Orion">Mumbai</keyword> civic officials, though scientific evidence so far does not indicate it to be so, official sources said on Wednesday. The <keyword id="53938" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="brihanmumbai-municipal-corporation" source="Orion">Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation</keyword> (BMC) on Wednesday said that a woman who had arrived there from <keyword id="6355117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="south-africa" source="Orion">South Africa</keyword> in February-end and tested positive for COVID-19 on March was infected with the XE variant, which was first detected in the UK. However, official sources clarified, "Present evidence do not yet indicate that it is a case of XE variant." "Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) experts examined the <keyword id="13561011" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="fastq" source="Orion">FastQ</keyword> files of the sample and have inferred that the genomic composition of this variant which infected the Mumbai woman does not correspond with the genomic composition of the XE variant," an official source said. "INSACOG is conducting a genomic analysis of the case after a follow-up declared XE positive case of COVID-19 in Mumbai," the official source stated. According to Mumbai civic officials, a case of the Kappa variant was also detected during a sero survey and added the results came in genome sequencing of 376 samples, the 11th batch of testing in the local genome sequencing lab. According to the survey, <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> variant was found in 228 out of 230 samples (99.13 per cent cases) from Mumbai, the official said. The genome sequencing of 376 samples was conducted at the municipal <keyword id="6381041" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kasturba-hospital" source="Orion">Kasturba Hospital</keyword>'s Genome Sequencing Lab. The condition of the patients infected with the new strains of the virus was not serious, the official said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/gautam-adani-is-now-the-sixth-richest-person-in-the-world-as-per-forbes-real-time/articleshow/90698849.cms">Gautam Adani is now the sixth richest person in the world</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/neet-entrance-exam-to-be-held-on-july-17-registration-begins/articleshow/90698322.cms">NEET entrance exam to be held on July 17, registration begins</a>

Genomic evidence does not indicate XE variant in Mumbai patient, say official sources

<ul><li>India detected the first case of an <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> subvariant BQ.1 in Pune on Tuesday. </li><li>One case of the new Omicron subvariant BF.7 was also detected by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre on October 14. </li><li>The Omicron subvariant BF.7 was reported first in the Inner Mongolia region of China. </li><li>Doctors ask Indians not to let their guard down, despite India recording lowest Covid cases in the past 6 months. </li></ul>With Diwali less than a week away, two new sub variants of Omicron called BF.7 and BQ.1 have been detected in India even as the country recorded the lowest number of Covid-19 cases in six months. On Tuesday, India recorded a single-day rise of 1,542 coronavirus infections – the lowest in six months. Active cases comprise 0.06% of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.76%, the health ministry said, according to PTI. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.68% while the weekly positivity rate was 1.02%, according to the health ministry. How will the new variants affect the above numbers? New variants Called the ‘Omicron spawn’ by experts, one case of the new Omicron subvariant BF.7 was detected by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre on October 14. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also released a warning against the highly infectious BF.7 – first discovered in China’s Inner Mongolia region. It is said to have caused the recent surge of cases that has led to severe lockdown restrictions in that country. On Tuesday, India detected the first case of another Omicron subvariant BQ.1 in Pune, Maharashtra. BQ.1 and B.Q.1.1 originated from Omicron’s subvariant BA.5, which causes 60% of Covid cases in the US today. Is there a cause for worry in India? In light of the detection of the variant BQ.1 in India, Maharashtra state surveillance officer <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-1st-case-of-omicron-covid-19-subvariant-bq-1-detected-in-pune-101666067972576.html">Pradeep Awate</a> has asked high-risk patients to undergo vaccinations and not ignore any flu-like symptoms. More details for the symptoms of the Omicron subvariant BQ.1 are awaited. The BF.7 <a href="https://www.livemint.com/science/health/chest-pain-deafness-shivering-among-top-symptoms-that-could-be-omicron-bf7-11666008055243.html">symptoms</a> are deafness, loss of smell and taste, chest pain, fatigue, sore throat and runny nose. The subvariant also evades antibodies against Covid. Since these variants are evading immunity and have high transmission capability, doctors in India are asking Indians to exercise caution. "The next two to three weeks are crucial. Covid-19 is still around, and new variants are being reported in different parts of the world. Obviously, we cannot remain unscathed from them. So, we need to be careful as festivals are a few days ahead," Dr N.K. Arora, chairman, National Technical Advisory Group of Immunization (NTAGI) told <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/omicron-bf-7-likely-to-trigger-a-new-covid-wave-during-diwali-check-5-symptoms-11665999120477.html">Mint.</a> Experts advise people to wear masks in public places and avoid big gatherings as much as possible. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) scientists are meeting this week ahead of Diwali to discuss the threat that the Omicron subvariant poses to India. INSACOG has 54 laboratories set up to monitor the variant of Covid-19 virus. India has previously also reported other variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, B.1.6, Omicron, XE, XJ, XBB to name a few. The country has reported over 44.6 million Covid cases till date. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rupee-rises-22-paise-to-82-08/usd-tracking-positive-domestic-equities/articleshow/94935889.cms">Rupee rises 22 paise to 82.08/USD tracking positive domestic equities</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indians-above-40-are-feeling-younger-healthier-than-gen-z-millennials-report/articleshow/94918231.cms">Indians above 40 are feeling younger &amp; healthier than Gen Z, millennials - report</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/you-can-travel-in-these-countries-with-the-indian-rupee-but-there-are-limits/slidelist/94913764.cms">You can travel in these countries with the Indian rupee, but there are limits</a>

New Omicron subvariant detected in India - Here’s all you need to know about the new variants causing Covid 19

<ul><li>Some states in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> are witnessing a spike in daily COVID-19 cases.</li><li>This comes at the time when the cases of new subvariant of Omicron — <keyword id="13526562" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="XE-variant" source="Orion">XE variant</keyword> — are being reported in some parts of the world.</li><li>Union Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a press statement, also directed the states, where cases are spiking again, to take necessary actions to curb the spread of the virus.</li></ul>Although the daily tally of <keyword id="8861198" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid-19-cases-in-India" source="Orion">COVID-19 cases in India</keyword> is declining, some states are witnessing a spike in cases again. This comes at the time when the cases of new subvariant of Omicron — XE variant — are being reported in some parts of the world. India also reported its first case of XE variant in Gujarat a few days after a 67-year-old man from Mumbai tested positive for COVID-19 during his visit to Vadodara. Union Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a press statement, also directed the states, where cases are spiking again, to take necessary actions to curb the spread of the virus. “It is essential that the state must maintain a strict watch and take pre-emptive action if required in any areas of concern to control any emerging spread of infection. Testing and surveillance still remain important to track the virus, its spread and evolution," Bhushan said. He also advised the states to follow five-fold strategy — test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour with continued focus on monitoring clusters of new cases, required containment efforts for curbing the spread of infection, adequate testing, and undertake required steps in areas reporting high case positivity. These are the states where COVID-19 cases are rising again — 1. Kerala The southern state of India has recorded over 2,000 daily cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days and 253 deaths. With over 37,000 people fully vaccinated, Kerala has 374 active cases currently. 2. Delhi The daily positivity rate in Delhi jumped to 2.7%, which was 1% last week. The national capital of India has reported 998 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last days with 144 people being recovered from the virus. 3. Mizoram Zoramthanga-led state has reported 769 daily COVID-19 cases and 2 deaths in the last one week. The state recorded 149 new cases in the last 24 hours with 115 people fully recovered. 4. Maharashtra With 765 daily COVID-19 cases in the last seven days, Maharashtra is witnessing a spike again. The state with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India till now, has only 134 active cases currently. 5. Haryana The new cases in Haryana are up by 50% this week as compared to last week. Manoharlal Khattar-led state has recorded over 500 cases in just 7 days and currently has 153 active cases. The good news is that the state didn’t record any COVID deaths in the last one week. 6. Gujarat Gujarat has been witnessing a sudden spike in daily COVID-19 cases from the past three days with 115 cases recorded this week as compared to 61 cases in the previous week. India reported 1,088 fresh COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, against the previous day's 796 cases, the <keyword id="83655" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-health-ministry" source="Orion">Union Health Ministry</keyword> said on Wednesday morning. The active caseload has declined to 10,870. Active cases now constitute 0.03 per cent of the country's total positive cases. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-reports-1088-new-covid-19-cases-and-26-deaths-in-24-hours/articleshow/90815718.cms">India reports 1,088 new COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths in 24 hours</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/72-percent-women-in-india-reject-roles-that-dont-allow-for-flexible-working/slidelist/90813091.cms">72 percent women in India reject roles that don’t allow for flexible working</a>

COVID-19: These are the states in India where daily cases are spiking again

<ul class="summary-list"><li>New, more infectious versions of COVID-19 are spreading in areas of the US.</li><li>The new subvariants are leading to a surge in cases along parts of the East Coast.</li></ul>The mayor of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-adams-tests-positive-for-covid-after-attending-gridiron-dinner-2022-4">New York</a>. The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-2022-4">speaker</a> of the House. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/08/entertainment/sarah-jessica-parker-plaza-suite-covid/index.html">Sarah Jessica Parker</a>. They are just three of the many Americans who've recently caught COVID-19, in a wave of infections that's being blamed for <a href="https://playbill.com/article/off-broadways-americano-pauses-performances-and-sets-new-opening-night">cancelled</a> <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/04/broadway-covid-macbeth-daniel-craig-strange-loop-1234999864/">Broadway</a> <a href="https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Lincoln-Center-Theater-Cancels-Performances-of-AT-THE-WEDDING-20220409">shows</a>, and a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0413-mask-order.html">prolonging of the federal mask mandate</a> for travel.It's almost certainly all because of viral evolution within <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions">Omicron</a>.<keyword id="11893194" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus" source="Orion">Coronavirus</keyword> cases are on a steady uptick along the Eastern Seaboard of the US, from <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/04/06/gridiron-dinner-covid-coronavirus-outbreak-superspreader/">Washington DC</a> to New York and <a href="https://www.mwra.com/biobot/biobotdata.htm">Boston</a>. The uptick is so pronounced that Philadelphia recently <a href="https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/watch-will-philly-reinstate-indoor-mask-mandate/3204175/">reinstituted its mask</a> mandate for public indoor spaces.The current case rates pale in comparison to those recorded in the initial <keyword id="12616996" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> surge at the beginning of the year, but wastewater data — a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-check-covid-rates-in-your-area-3-simple-steps-2022-3">reliable way to track COVID</a> — suggests the level of virus circulating in the community is going back up to heights not seen <a href="https://www.mwra.com/biobot/biobotdata.htm">since early February</a> in many places on the East Coast. <div type="image" title="chart showing % of positive tests in manhattan on uptick since march" height="855" width="695" msid="90854609" hostid="261"></div>This uptick in the northeast is likely being driven by more infectious Omicron <a href="https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-04-13_covid-19.htm">subvariants, which have evolved </a>further from the Omicron that was first detected in the US in late 2021. Though it might sound scary, this pace of reconfiguration and proliferation in the Omicron family, it's actually nothing unusual — viruses do this kind of mingling and reproducing all the time.In fact, it's possible that this could be a sign the virus is settling into a more predictable trajectory, and some experts say that could be good <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">news</keyword>.<h2>The Omicron subvariants to know about, from BA.2 to XE</h2>Around the world, countries including Botswana, Belgium, and Denmark have detected other, highly infectious Omicron subvariants, such as <a href="https://www.afro.who.int/news/botswana-south-africa-deepen-probe-new-omicron-sub-variants">BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5</a>.In the UK, where case rates have been high in the past couple of months, virus trackers recently identified a <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-a-hybrid-covid-strain-behind-vietnams-latest-wave-not-exactly-161879">recombinant version</a> of Omicron — a mixture of BA.1 and BA.2 — called <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-variants-identified-in-the-uk">XE.</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-variants-identified-in-the-uk">It's unclear whether XE will ever spread</a> very far, and only <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Has-omicron-XE-arrived-in-California-Here-s-17079018.php">a handful of XE cases</a> have been detected so far in the US.In the US, experts say the most prevalent coronavirus strains now are all versions of BA.2, which is responsible for about <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions">85% of cases</a> nationwide.<h2>Why new Omicron subvariants aren't necessarily a bad thing</h2>Omicron is, genetically speaking, quite different from other versions of the virus we've seen during the pandemic, and its emergence was impossible to predict. But now that Omicron is dominant, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/experts-predict-low-rates-ba2-omicron-variant-summer-fall-2022-4">experts are cautiously optimistic</a> that evolution of the virus may stay Omicron-specific for a little while.<div type="image" title="graphic showing how genetically related different SARS-CoV-2 variants are, with omicrons grouped together, far away from others like delta and beta" height="1016" width="1800" msid="90854610" hostid="261"></div>So far, the newly-detected Omicron subvariants are marginally more transmissible than BA.1, giving them an advantage on the viral playing field. But these subvariants don't seem to be any more dangerous to people, and aren't causing different symptoms. They're still Omicron relatives.Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina <a href="https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/xe-and-why-we-may-want-omicron-to?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo2MDU0OTM4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjo1MTYyMDEyNiwiXyI6InZuK0pRIiwiaWF0IjoxNjQ5OTY0MjczLCJleHAiOjE2NDk5Njc4NzMsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0yODEyMTkiLCJzdWIiOiJwb3N0LXJlYWN0aW9uIn0.H9cV8YNoYyVI82AmU6o4LWRTSWKNGUTl2gUfqjas0qI&amp;s=r">said in her newsletter last week</a> that continued viral evolution within Omicron "may be good news," for two key reasons:<ol><li>For now, an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/can-you-get-ba2-if-you-had-omicron-evidence-risk-2022-3">Omicron infection likely provides some pretty good temporary immunity</a> against other Omicrons, which means that since <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/next-omicron-wave-may-not-be-as-bad-in-us-2022-3">already more than half of the US has had the variant</a>, we <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/experts-predict-low-rates-ba2-omicron-variant-summer-fall-2022-4">may get a nice break from high COVID-19 case counts</a> over the next few months.</li><li>Continued evolution within Omicron would help us better prepare and plan. For the past two years, COVID-19 has been on an unpredictable tear, morphing from Alpha to Beta Delta and Omicron, without giving clear clues about whether it'll bear much resemblance to previous variants. If viral evolution drifts in a more predictable, flu-like pattern, it will become much easier to plan new vaccines and be ready to tackle the virus's next moves.</li></ol>We know that <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---12-april-2022">99.2% of the SARS-CoV-2</a> virus that the world is dealing with is Omicron, and both cases and deaths are coming down. Vaccines and booster shots still work extremely well against this virus when it comes to severe outcomes, as do well-fitted respirators and face masks made from medical-grade materials. "I'm going to try my best to avoid it," Dr. <a href="https://video.snapstream.net/Play/aXaweut2IZ4a9Z4Zsbr1dg?accessToken=bes7lzn8q7ccm">Anthony Fauci told CNN's Kate Bolduan</a> on Wednesday of Omicron. "It will be out there, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-check-covid-rates-in-your-area-3-simple-steps-2022-3">I'm going to have to make risk assessments</a>. I'm vaccinated, I'm doubly boosted, and I'm not careless in what I do. Does that mean I'm not going to get infected? No. I think everyone has some degree of risk. The risk is not zero for anyone unless you stay in your room and don't come out."

What to know about the ultra-infectious Omicron subvariants circulating the US as COVID rates rise, Broadway shows pause, and a mask mandate returns

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s benchmark equity indices declined sharply in early trade on Monday as surge in inflation dented investors' sentiment. Consumer Price Index or retail inflation rose steeply in March to 6.95 per cent, which was above <keyword id="6354335" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india" source="Orion">Reserve Bank of India</keyword>'s upper tolerance band of 6 per cent for three consecutive months. At 9.36 a.m., <keyword id="6484188" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="sensex" source="Orion">Sensex</keyword> was at 57,368 points, down 970 points or 1.66 per cent, whereas <keyword id="6354813" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nifty" source="Orion">Nifty</keyword> at 17,220 points, down 256 points or 1.46 per cent. For fresh cues, all eyes would be on the Q4 earnings of <keyword id="115437" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india-inc-" source="Orion">India Inc.</keyword> SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/whats-the-new-omicron-xe-variant-and-should-i-be-worried/articleshow/90903212.cms">What's the new Omicron XE variant and should I be worried?</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/tata-neu-has-been-downloaded-2-2-million-times-in-the-last-one-week/articleshow/90848701.cms">Tata Neu has been downloaded 2.2 million times in the last one week</a>

Indices decline in opening trade, Sensex down by 970 points

<keyword id="407941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Medical-entrance-exam" source="Orion">Medical entrance exam</keyword> <keyword id="6361994" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="neet" source="Orion">NEET</keyword> will be conducted on July 17 and the registration process began on Wednesday, according to the <keyword id="581232" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="national-testing-agency" source="Orion">National Testing Agency</keyword> (NTA). The <keyword id="457486" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Eligibility-cum-Entrance-Test" source="Orion">National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test</keyword> (NEET) will be held in 13 languages at centres across the country. "The last date for submission of online application form is May 6. Candidates must strictly follow the instructions given in the information bulletin and on the <keyword id="10188882" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NTA-website" source="Orion">NTA website</keyword>. Candidates not complying with the instructions shall be summarily disqualified," a senior NTA official said. "Candidates must ensure that the e-mail address and mobile number provided in the online application form are their own or of parents and guardians only as all information and communication will be sent by NTA through e-mail on the registered e-mail address or SMS on the registered mobile number only," the official added. Last year, the <keyword id="13561404" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NEET-Undergraduate-exam" source="Orion">NEET-Undergraduate exam</keyword> was held on September 12, with over 95 per cent of the registered candidates appearing for it. Over 15.44 lakh candidates had appeared for the exam which was conducted at 3,858 centres in 13 languages in 2021. Over 8.70 lakh candidates had qualified the exam. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/byjus-swiggy-dream11-and-ola-are-among-the-highest-valued-startups-in-india/slidelist/90689106.cms">Byju’s, Swiggy, Dream11 and Ola are among the highest valued startups in India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-records-its-first-case-of-covid-19-variant-omicron-xe-in-mumbai/articleshow/90690005.cms">India records its first case of COVID-19 variant 'Omicron XE' in Mumbai</a>

NEET entrance exam to be held on July 17, registration begins

<ul><li>While the fear of fourth wave of COVID-19 jitters, the month of March and April saw a significant uptick in people socializing, traveling, visiting friends, family and having get-togethers.</li><li>The survey revealed that 94% of the Indian families will have one or more categories of visitors coming to their homes in the next 30 days.</li><li>9 out of 10 people said in another survey that people in their area/district are not wearing face masks or not wearing them properly.</li></ul>The COVID-19 tally has once again started to rise steadily in the last 15 days after a slowdown of approximately 11 weeks. People have also started moving freely as all the public places are now open including schools, colleges, and offices. Also, they have started socializing more with their friends and families. Where India is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-records-an-increase-of-318-active-covid-19-cases-in-last-24-hours/articleshow/90927081.cms">recording a 90% rise in the test positivity rate</a> from 0.31 on April 2 to 0.83% on April 18, the month of March and April saw a significant increase in socializing and travel as people visit friends and family, says a new survey conducted by LocalCircles, which is a community-based social network platform. The survey revealed that 94% of the Indian families will have one or more categories of visitors coming to their homes in the next 30 days. Visitors can be the biggest source for the families getting infected, which can further lead to a massive rise in COVID-19 cases. According to the survey, visitors can be friends, families, relatives, domestic help, or service providers like delivery personnel. On the other hand, 69% of the respondents said that they are likely to visit family, friends, and others within the next month. The survey was conducted among 20,000 people from citizens residing in 309 districts of India. Globally, most experts have agreed on one thing COVID is likely to reach us much more through our trusted networks than through people who we do not have long interactions with. As the COVID-19 cases were declining in February and March, 9 out of 10 people said in another survey that people in their area/district are not wearing face masks or not wearing them properly. “With mask compliance and social distancing compliance non-existent, if a transmissible variant of Omicron started circulating, the risk of it spreading to a large number of people is very high,” says the report. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-says-who-report-claiming-four-million-co[%E2%80%A6]ndia-based-on-flawed-methodology/articleshow/90908055.cms">also raised an alarm</a> regarding rising COVID cases globally despite testing levels dropping significantly. Many countries in Europe and Asia like France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam, and China are experiencing a huge surge in cases. The spike in cases around the world is being driven by BA.2 variants, its sub-lineages like BA.2.2, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/the-new-xe-mutant-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-all-you-need-to-know-about-it/articleshow/90637446.cms">Omicron XE mutant</a>, which is a BA.1 and BA.2 recombinant. India reported 2,067 new COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths in the last 24 hours. There are currently 12,340 active cases in the country with 1,547 people recovered in the last 24 hours. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/nvidia-tests-it-fastest-next-gen-graphics-processing-unit-for-rtx-4090/articleshow/90950351.cms">Nvidia tests it fastest next-gen GPU for RTX 4090 — details here</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/netflix-has-lost-200000-subscribers-in-the-first-quarter-of-2022/articleshow/90950450.cms">Netflix share price tanks as the company records its first drop in users since 2011</a>

You Searched For "Omicron XE variant" and got 11 results

What's the new Omicron XE variant and should I be worried?

PTI

The new XE mutant of the COVID-19 pandemic – all you need to know about it

Vaamanaa Sethi

Eminent virologist says no need to worry about the 'XE' variant of Omicron

Debolina

India records its first case of COVID-19 variant 'Omicron XE' in Mumbai

IANS

Genomic evidence does not indicate XE variant in Mumbai patient, say official sources

PTI

New Omicron subvariant detected in India - Here’s all you need to know about the new variants causing Covid 19

Eetika Kapoor

COVID-19: These are the states in India where daily cases are spiking again

Vaamanaa Sethi

What to know about the ultra-infectious Omicron subvariants circulating the US as COVID rates rise, Broadway shows pause, and a mask mandate returns

Hilary Brueck

Indices decline in opening trade, Sensex down by 970 points

IANS

NEET entrance exam to be held on July 17, registration begins

PTI

COVID-19 cases are on a rise again, but Indians are likely to increase socialising and travelling: Survey

Vaamanaa Sethi