Russia detects new COVID variant – “Delta Plus”

Delta Plus variant of coronavirus has been discovered in Russia, Head of Rospotrebnadzor (Russian consumer watchdog) Anna Popova said, Report informs referring to RIA Novosti.

“We have checked all the information very carefully. The information was confirmed: this is indeed a “Delta Plus” variant,” said Popova at a meeting of the presidium of the coordinating council to combat COVID-19.

Information that a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 entered the country appeared last week.

The “Delta Plus” variant (B.1.617.2.1) was discovered in June in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a mutation of the widespread Delta variant (B.1.617.2). The “Delta Plus” variant is distinguished by the presence of the K417N mutation in the spike protein, it has increased permeability and can reduce the activity of serum and antibodies of people who have been ill and vaccinated.