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 DELTA AND DELTA PLUS VARIANTS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

DELTA AND DELTA PLUS VARIANTS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Posted On: 28 JUN 2021 2:52PM by PIB Mumbai

New Delhi / Mumbai, 28^th June, 2021

 Vaccines and COVID Appropriate Behaviour can help us fight the pandemic.
Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research; and Director, National Centre for Disease Control have answered many questions about the Delta and Delta Plus variants of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. PIB has curated the answers, given at a COVID Media Briefing held by the Health Ministry on June 25, 2021.

 Q. Why does a virus mutate?

Virus by its very nature mutates. It is part of its evolution. The SARS-Cov-2 virus is a single-stranded RNA virus. So, changes in the genetic sequence of the RNA are mutations. The moment a virus enters its host cell or a susceptible body, it starts replicating. When the spread of infection increases, the rate of replication also increases. A virus that has got a mutation in it is known as a variant.

Q. What is the impact of mutations?

The normal process of mutations begins to impact us when it leads to changes in transmission levels or on treatment. Mutations can have positive, negative or neutral effects on human health.

Negative impacts include clustering of infections, increased transmissibility, ability to escape immunity and infect someone who has prior immunity, neutralization escape from monoclonal antibodies, improved binding to lung cells and increased severity of infection.

Positive impacts can be that the virus becomes non-viable.

Q. Why are frequent mutations seen in SARS-CoV-2 virus? When will the mutations stop?
SARS-CoV-2 can mutate due to the following reasons:

·         Random error during replication of virus

·         Immune pressure faced by viruses after treatments such as convalescent plasma, vaccination or monoclonal antibodies (antibodies produced by a single clone of cells with identical antibody molecules)

·         Uninterrupted transmission due to lack of COVID-appropriate behaviour. Here the virus finds excellent host to grow and becomes more fit and more transmissible.

The virus will continue to mutate as long as the pandemic remains. This makes it all the more crucial to follow COVID appropriate behavior.

 Q.  What are Variants of Interest (VoI) and Variants of Concern (VoC)?

When the mutations happen – if there is any previous association with any other similar variant which is felt to have an impact on public health – then it becomes a Variant under Investigation.

Once genetic markers are identified which can have association with receptor binding domain or which have an implication on antibodies or neutralizing assays, we start calling them as Variants of Interest.

The moment we get evidence for increased transmission through field-site and clinical correlations, it becomes a Variant of Concern. Variants of concern are those that have one or more of the following characteristics:

·         Increased transmissibility

·         Change in virulence/ disease presentation

·         Evading the diagnostics, drugs and vaccines

The 1st Variant of Concern was announced by the UK where it was found. Currently there are four variants of concern identified by the scientists - Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta.

 Q. What are Delta and Delta Plus variants?

These are the names given to variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus, based on the mutations found in them. WHO has recommended using letters of the Greek Alphabet, i.e., Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617), etc., to denote variants, for easier public understanding.

Delta variant, also known as SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617, has about 15-17 mutations. It was first reported in October 2020. More than 60% of cases in Maharashtra in February 2021 pertained to delta variants.

It is the Indian scientists who identified the Delta Variant and submitted it to the global database. Delta variant is classified as a Variant of Concern and has now spread to 80 countries, as per WHO.

Delta variant (B.1.617) has three subtypes B1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3, among which B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.3 have been classified as Variant of Interest, while B.1.617.2 (Delta Plus) has been classified as a Variant of Concern.

The Delta Plus variant has an additional mutation in comparison to Delta variant; this mutation has been named as the K417N mutation. ‘Plus’ means an additional mutation has happened to the Delta variant. It does not mean that the Delta Plus variant is more severe or highly transmissible than the Delta variant.

 Q. Why has the Delta Plus Variant (B.1.617.2) been classified as a Variant of Concern?

The Delta Plus variant has been classified as Variant of Concern because of the following characteristics:

·         Increased transmissibility

·         Stronger binding to receptors of lung cells

·         Potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response

·         Potential post vaccination immune escape

 Q. How often are these mutations studied in India?

Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) coordinated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with Union Health Ministry, ICMR, and CSIR monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a pan India multi-laboratory network. It was set up with 10 National Labs in December 2020 and has been expanded to 28 labs and 300 sentinel sites from where genomic samples are collected. The INSACOG hospital network looks at samples and informs INSACOG about the severity, clinical correlation, breakthrough infections and re-infections.

More than 65,000 samples have been taken from states and processed, while nearly 50,000 samples have been analysed of which 50% have been reported to be Variants of Concern. 

Q. On what basis are the samples subjected to Genome Sequencing?

Sample selection is done under three broad categories:

1) International passengers (during the beginning of the Pandemic)

2) Community surveillance (where RT-PCR samples report CT Value less than 25)

3) Sentinel surveillance - Samples are obtained from labs (to check transmission) and hospitals (to check severity)

When there is any public health impact noticed because of genetic mutation, then the same is monitored.

 Q. What is the trend of Variants of Concern circulating in India?

As per the latest data, 90% of samples tested have been found to have Delta Variants (B.1.617). However, B.1.1.7 strain which was the most prevalent variant in India in the initial days of the pandemic has decreased.

 Q. Why public health action is not taken immediately after noticing mutations in virus?
It is not possible to say whether the mutations noticed will increase transmission. Also, until there is scientific evidence that proves a correlation between rising number of cases and variant proportion, we cannot confirm there is a surge in the particular variant. Once mutations are found, analysis is made week on week to find if there is any such correlation between the surge of cases and variant proportion. Public health action can be taken only after scientific proofs for such correlation are available.

Once such correlation is established, this will help greatly to prepare in advance when such variant is seen in another area/region.

 Q. Do COVISHIELD and COVAXIN work against the variants of SARS-CoV-2?

Yes, COVISHIELD and COVAXIN are both effective against the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants. Lab tests to check vaccine effectiveness on Delta Plus Variant are ongoing.

Delta Plus Variants: The virus has been isolated and is being cultured now at ICMR’s National Institute of Virology, Pune. Laboratory tests to check vaccine effectiveness are ongoing and the results will be available in 7 to 10 days. This will be the first result in the world.

 Q. What are the public health interventions being carried out to tackle these variants?

The public health interventions needed are the same, irrespective of the variants. The following measures are being taken:

·         Cluster containment

·         Isolation & Treatment of cases

·         Quarantining of contacts

·         Ramping up vaccination 

Q. Do public health strategies change as the virus mutates and more variants arise?

No, public health prevention strategies do not change with variants.

Q. Why is continuous monitoring of mutations important?

Continuous monitoring of mutations is important to track potential vaccine escape, increased transmissibility and disease severity.

Q. What does a common man do to protect him/her from these Variants of Concern?

One must follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour, which includes wearing a mask properly, washing hands frequently and maintaining social distancing.

The second wave is not over yet. It is possible to prevent a big third wave provided individuals and society practise protective behaviour.

Further, Test Positivity Rate must be closely monitored by each district. If the test positivity goes above 5%, strict restrictions must be imposed.

Dhanalakshmi/DJM/DY/PIB Mumbai  /pibmumbai  pibmumbai@gmail.com

(Release ID: 1730875) 

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         BRIEF OF THE 48TH MEETING OF THE NC-JCM

HELD ON 26.06.2021

______________________________________

 

PRESS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

GOVERNMENT GRANTS FURTHER EXTENSION IN TIMELINES OF COMPLIANCES
ALSO ANNOUNCES TAX EXEMPTION FOR EXPENDITURE ON COVID-19 TREATMENT AND EX-GRATIA RECEIVED ON DEATH DUE TO COVID-19

Posted On: 25 JUN 2021 6:51PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has granted further extension of timelines of compliances under Income Tax Act. It has also announced tax exemption for expenditure on COVID-19 treatment and ex-gratia received on death due to COVID-19. The details are as follows:

A.             Tax exemption

1. Many taxpayers have received financial help from their employers and well-wishers for meeting their expenses incurred for treatment of Covid-19. In order to ensure that no income tax liability arises on this account, it has been decided to provide income-tax exemption to the amount received by a taxpayer for medical treatment from employer or from any person for treatment of Covid-19 during FY 2019-20 and subsequent years.
2. Unfortunately, certain taxpayers have lost their life due to Covid-19. Employers and well-wishers of such taxpayers had extended financial assistance to their family members so that they could cope with the difficulties arisen due to the sudden loss of the earning member of their family. In order to provide relief to the family members of such taxpayer, it has been decided to provide income-tax exemption to ex-gratia payment received by family members of a person from the employer of such person or from other person on the death of the person on account of Covid-19 during FY 2019-20 and subsequent years. The exemption shall be allowed without any limit for the amount received from the employer and the exemption shall be limited to Rs. 10 lakh in aggregate for the amount received from any other persons.

                 Necessary legislative amendments for the above decisions shall be proposed in due course of time.

B.             Extension of Timelines

                 In view of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, taxpayers are facing inconvenience in meeting certain tax compliances and also in filing response to various notices. In order to ease compliances to be made by taxpayers during this difficult time, reliefs are being provided through Notifications nos. 74/2021 & 75/2021 dated 25^th June, 2021 Circular no. 12/2021 dated 25^th June, 2021. These reliefs are:

1. Objections to Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) and Assessing Officer under section 144C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) for which the last date of filing under that section is 1^st June, 2021 or thereafter, may be filed within the time provided in that section or by 31^st August, 2021, whichever is later.
2. The Statement of Deduction of Tax for the last quarter of the Financial Year 2020-21, required to be furnished on or before 31^st May, 2021 under Rule 31A of the Income-tax Rules,1962 (hereinafter referred to as “the Rules”), as extended to 30^th June, 2021 vide Circular No.9 of 2021, may be furnished on or before 15^th July, 2021.
3. The Certificate of Tax Deducted at Source in Form No.16, required to be furnished to the employee by 15^th June, 2021 under Rule 31 of the Rules, as extended to 15^th July, 2021 vide Circular No.9 of 2021, may be furnished on or before 31^st July, 2021.
4. The Statement of Income paid or credited by an investment fund to its unit holder in Form No. 64D for the Previous Year 2020-21, required to be furnished on or before 15^th June, 2021 under Rule 12CB of the Rules, as extended to 30^th June, 2021 vide Circular No.9 of 2021, may be furnished on or before 15^th July, 2021.

5. The Statement of Income paid or credited by an investment fund to its unit holder in Form No. 64C for the Previous Year 2020-21, required to be furnished on or before 30^th June, 2021 under Rule 12CB of the Rules, as extended to 15^th July, 2021 vide Circular No.9 of 2021, may be furnished on or before 31^st July, 2021.
6. The application under Section 10(23C), 12AB, 35(1)(ii)/(iia)/(iii) and 80G of the Act in Form No. 10A/ Form No.10AB, for registration/ provisional registration/ intimation/ approval/ provisional approval of Trusts/ Institutions/ Research Associations etc., required to be made on or before 30^th June, 2021, may be made on or before 31^st August, 2021.
7. The compliances to be made by the taxpayers such as investment, deposit, payment, acquisition, purchase, construction or such other action, by whatever name called, for the purpose of claiming any exemption under the provisions contained in Section 54 to 54GB of the Act, for which the last date of such compliance falls between 1^st April, 2021 to 29^th September, 2021 (both days inclusive), may be completed on or before 30^th September, 2021.
8. The Quarterly Statement in Form No. 15CC to be furnished by authorized dealer in respect of remittances made for the quarter ending on 30^th June, 2021, required to be furnished on or before 15^th July, 2021 under Rule 37 BB of the Rules, may be furnished on or before 31^st July, 2021.
9. The Equalization Levy Statement in Form No. 1 for the Financial Year 2020-21, which is required to be filed on or before 30^th June, 2021, may be furnished on or before 31^st July, 2021.
10. The Annual Statement required to be furnished under sub-section (5) of section 9A of the Act by the eligible investment fund in Form No. 3CEK for the Financial Year 2020-21, which is required to be filed on or before 29^th June, 2021, may be furnished on or before 31^st July, 2021.
11. Uploading of the declarations received from recipients in Form No. 15G/15H during the quarter ending 30^th June, 2021, which is required to be uploaded on or before 15^th July, 2021, may be uploaded by 31^st August,2021.
12. Exercising of option to withdraw pending application (filed before the erstwhile Income Tax Settlement Commission) under sub-section (1) of Section 245M of the Act in Form No. 34BB, which is required to be exercised on or before 27^th June, 2021, may be exercised on or before 31^st July, 2021.
13. Last date of linkage of Aadhaar with PAN under section 139AA of the Act, which was earlier extended to 30^th June, 2021 is further extended to 30^th September, 2021.
14. Last date of payment of amount under Vivad se Vishwas(without additional amount) which was earlier extended to 30^th June, 2021 is further extended to 31^st August, 2021.
15. Last date of payment of amount under Vivad se Vishwas (with additional amount) has been notified as 31^st October, 2021.
16. Time Limit for passing assessment order which was earlier extended to 30^th June, 2021 is further extended to 30^th September, 2021.
17. Time Limit for passing penalty order which was earlier extended to 30^th June, 2021 is further extended to 30^th September, 2021.
18. Time Limit for processing Equalisation Levy returns which was earlier extended to 30^th June, 2021 is further extended to 30^th September, 2021

RM/MV/KMN  (Release ID: 1730355)