No presence of BF.7 variant in B’luru so far, genome test reports reveal

BENGALURU: After the XBB.1.5 sub-variant of the Novel Coronavirus was traced in Gujarat, Bengaluru can take some relief in the fact that so far, none of the samples sent for genome sequencing have turned positive for the BF.7 sub-variant.

Ever since screening of international passengers arriving from Hong Kong, Dubai, Maldives and other countries started at the Kempegowda International Airport, reports of the first batch of samples sent for genome sequencing in December show that none of them tested positive for the BF.7 variant. These passengers had arrived in Bengaluru in November.

Only one sample tested positive for BF.7.4, which is considered as not much dangerous. Of the total of 24 samples sent, the reports of 18 samples have been received and six more are awaited. Some of the samples have tested positive for BA.2, BA.5, but none for BF.7 so far.

The person who tested positive for the BF.7.4 variant is a 34-year-old software engineer who had returned from Germany in the first week of December and who had taken all three doses of the vaccine. Initially, the person had no symptoms, but developed fever three days later. The individual has fully recovered now and family members and primary contacts have tested negative for Covid-19.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath said the guidelines on testing are being followed.

Meanwhile, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath said guidelines are being followed as regards testing. The civic body, which was earlier testing about 1,500 people every day, was asked to raise it to 5,000 daily and about 6,000 tests are being conducted every day, he said.

On the wearing of masks, he said it is an advisory, but people gathering indoors like theatres and restaurants have to wear masks.