This variant has been named as B.1.1.529. This may also affect the sponsored series between India and South Africa. India is to tour Africa next month. During this, three Tests, three ODIs and four T20 matches will be played between the two teams. The new variant of corona virus being found in African countries has again raised concerns. More than 30 new cases have been found in South Africa, which are of new variants.
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India and South Africa Series will Start from December 17
On the South African tour, the Indian team will play matches in Johannesburg, Centurion, Paarl and Cape Town from December 17 to January 26. However, after getting the new variant of Corona, this series is under threat. The B.1.1529 variant is said to be more dangerous than the Delta and Delta Plus. Several health protection agencies have also said that this variant requires more testing and precautions.
Indian A team on African Tour
At present, due to the new variant being found in South Africa, the cases of infection have also increased. Many countries have given orders to close their flights. India has not issued any such information at the moment, but a decision can be taken on it further. Currently, India A team is on South African tour and is playing a three-match Test series with South Africa A team in Bloemfontein.
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Guateng Province has the Highest Number of Cases
The Indian team has to play one of its matches in Johannesburg. The city is the largest city and capital of Guateng Province. Guateng is currently the most affected by the new variant. The biggest target of this variant in November has been the youth of Guateng. In such a situation, the question arises as to how this series will be played. A meeting is also going to be held on Friday in Geneva, the headquarters of the World Health Organization, to issue guidelines around the world regarding this new variant.
No Case so Far in India
No case of the new variant reported in India. ICMR Chief Epidemiologist Dr Samiran Panda said in a conversation with Amar Ujala.com that more such new variants will continue to emerge. So there is no need to worry about it. However, he has definitely appealed to be careful in the routine. He said that the guidelines that have been issued should be followed. Such as vaccination, wearing a mask, avoiding unnecessary visits to crowded places, washing and sanitizing hands. Follow all these things.
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Central Government Gave Instructions to the States
The central government has also issued an advisory to all the states that we need to be more careful to avoid this new variant. Also, instructions issued at all airports to screen passengers coming from Hong Kong and Botswana. Guidelines regarding this new variant will be issue only after the meeting of the World Health Organization.
What is the Schedule of India-South Africa Series
India and South Africa will play the first Test in Johannesburg from December 17, the second Test at Centurion from December 26 and the third Test in Cape Town from January 3. After this, the ODI series will start from January 11. The first ODI will be in Paarl. After this, the remaining two ODIs will be in Cape Town on January 14 and 16. This will be follow by four T20 matches on January 19, January 21, January 23 and January 26.
