The Delta strain of the COVID-19 has been detected in almost all the positive cases reported in Meghalaya recently, an official said on July 27.
Meghalaya on July 27 registered one of its highest daily case counts with 710 new cases of infection and nine deaths. The state now has 5,332 active cases of COVID-19 while the death count increased to 1,040.
On July 27, 453 patients recovered from the viral infection. The state, which has so far registered 62,473 confirmed cases, has now reported 56,101 recoveries.
“As per information from the health and family welfare department, the Delta strain constitutes 100 per cent of the cases in the state. It is a variant of concern and highly infectious, and the number of cases as well as hospitalization cases may start increasing rapidly,” East Khasi Hills district deputy commissioner Isawanda Laloo was quoted as saying by news agency UNI.
The deputy commissioner urged the public to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour meticulously at all times, avoid unnecessary travel and exposure as far as possible, and to vaccinate at the earliest, if not already done so.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya director of health services (MI) Aman War said the deaths due to COVID-19 infection recorded on July 27 included five in East Khasi Hills district, two in Ri-Bhoi district and one each east in West Garo Hills district and West Khasi Hills district.
“While vaccinated persons can still get infected, the data strongly indicates that vaccination greatly reduces the likelihood of getting infected with the virus. Fully vaccinated persons have a much lower chance of getting infected,” the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner said.
With 1,932 active COVID-19 cases, the East Khasi Hills, which includes state capital Shillong, is the most-affected district in Meghalaya.
