By Shalini Bhardwaj

A top medical expert believes that there are eight variants of Omicron and amongst them one is dominating which can be held responsible for the surge in cases in Delhi.

Speaking to ANI, Dr SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) said, " Many samples have been sequenced at ILBS and I think there are eight variants of which one is now dominating, we will come to know slowly."

Experts say BA.2.12.1 is the variant which is a sibling of Omicron and is also responsible for the sudden surge in Delhi.

Sarin said,"There is a possibility that new variants of the Omicron are emerging and they are being sequenced."

"I would suggest people should be very careful. There is a fear that children may get infected because they are not adequately vaccinated. People must wear masks," Dr Sarin said.

Delhi on Wednesday reported 1,009 fresh cases, the highest since February 10, while the positivity rate is 5.70 per cent.

Since the beginning of April, India has been continuously registering a rise in COVID cases daily.

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