Editorial | Virus measures have to be reviewed in the wake of variant cases
- Latest infections point to weaknesses in the defence system of city, which has to remain united and even more vigilant with the easing of social-distancing restrictions
The first untraceable Covid-19 variant case in the community has sounded alarm bells. It appears to have confirmed growing fears that more infectious strains are spreading through undetected transmission chains in a city that is easing curbs on social-distancing restrictions.
The community must be put on full alert and work with the authorities in thwarting another potentially devastating wave of the disease.
With three variant cases of a known origin already identified, the latest case involving a Filipino with no recent travel history has made the outlook even more worrying. She was carrying the N501Y and E484K mutations and had met other helpers during the incubation period. Her employers both tested negative, but the couple’s 10-month old daughter was infected.
Concern has been further heightened by the discovery of at least 10 previously imported infections involving a variant suspected to be behind the current surge in India. Seven of them arrived on a flight from New Delhi on April 4.
Even though there is no evidence yet of the strain having made its way into the community, such a possibility cannot be ruled out.