Institute files results of gene sequencing of UK returnees

HYDERABAD: On a day when

the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology

(CCMB) submitted the results of the targeted

genome sequencing

(a

rapid testing method

to pinpoint the strain of coronavirus) of some of the 18 samples of

UK returnees

to the

Telangana government

, two more who returned from that country tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday. Their samples are being forwarded to CCMB for genome sequencing. The results of full genome sequencing (which is a detailed testing method) are to come on Monday.

When asked about the results that were submitted to the government,

Dr Rakesh Mishra

, director of CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, said: “We have forwarded our findings to the government and the health ministry. The second round reports will be submitted on Monday. Based on the results of samples from other states being tested at various other labs, a clear picture of which strain of the virus is circulating will emerge. An announcement in this regard is expected to be made by the government on Monday.”

Dr Mishra further explained that genomic sequencing was a complex procedure and that two different rounds — fast-track and detailed — of testing were being done. On Sunday, 30 UK returnees were traced by state health authorities. With this, the number of untraced returnees now stands at 246.