São Paulo has begun studies to discover the Indian variant of the Coronavirus

The Municipal Health Secretariat of São Paulo has begun two studies to detect new variants of the coronavirus in the capital of São Paulo, especially those of Indian origin. The research is being conducted in partnership with the Botantan Institute and IMT (Institute of Tropical Medicine) at the University of the South Pacific and first results should be published within 20 days.

“The study reveals the genetic sequences of each of them [as variantes]Above all, however, the concern is to determine the presence of the Indian alternative in the city. We expect, if this happens, to adopt health measures, “confirms the Minister of Health, Edson Aparecido.

The information was presented at a press conference in the Centro Empresarial de São Paulo, the southern region, where the vaccination of drivers and public transport collectors began. Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB), who is also at the event, stated that there is still no record of the new variant in the city. “This genetic monitoring function is to be expected.”

Due to variants of Airlines B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2, the Brazilian government has suspended flights from India, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Northern Ireland since the 14th. A ship with Indian crew has been quarantined in Maranhão and is being monitored by the Health Surveillance Authority due to three cases.

According to the Health Secretariat, I started studying with Butantan three weeks ago. A portion of the RT-PCR positive samples are sent from all areas of the city for evaluation. The IMT study begins this week.

“The city of São Paulo is studying and preparing for the issue of this new alternative coming to spread in the city,” says Aparecido. Among the measures, he cited the increase in dispensary beds and intensive care units, the installation of oxygen stations, and the license for social health organizations, which run units in the capital, to import an intubation kit.