INSACOG Helped Detect COVID Variants of Concern, Data Shared With States, UTS: Govt
In addition to the existing 10 laboratories, 18 more labs have also been approved for incorporation in the INSACOG network.
Editorial Staff
INSACOG Helped Detect COVID Variants of Concern, Data Shared With States, UTS: Govt
The Centre on Tuesday dismissed the media reports alleging a low quantum of sequencing in the country and significant lags between sample collection and sequence submission into a database for pattern detection and actionable alerts. It said Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium (INSACOG) has helped in the detection of Covid-19 Variants of Concern (VOC) in real-time, which was also shared with the relevant states. The present turnaround time for VOCs is only 10 to 15 days. In addition to the existing 10 laboratories, 18 more labs have also been approved for incorporation in the INSACOG network, the government said on enhancing the number and capacity of genome sequencing. The Centre clarified that a sampling strategy is developed based on the country's objectives, scientific principles and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Accordingly, in view of rising Covid-19 cases, the existing capacity of RGSLs and timely detection of the VOCs including other variants, the strategy was…
