Coronavirus prevention: What you can do to protect yourself from Delta Plus variant, as per experts

The second wave of coronavirus took a massive toll on people's health and mental well being. While the country returns back to a state of normalcy and COVID cases continue to decline, a new variant, which is an extension of the Delta variant that emerged in India last October and drove India's second wave, is wreaking havoc.

Up till now, at least seven cases of the new COVID Delta Plus variant have been detected in Madhya Pradesh, of which two of the patients have died. Apart from that, the states of Maharashtra and Kerala have also been hit by this deadly variant.

Recently, the Government officially said that the Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus is a 'variant of concern' (VoC). As per the officials, the new COVID variant has three characteristic features, which makes it more dangerous and concerning than the previous variants.

- Increased transmissibility

- Stronger binding to receptors of lung cells

- Potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response

As of now, India is one of the nine countries where the Delta Plus variant has been detected. Reportedly, the variant has been detected in the US, UK, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Nepal, China and Russia.

Read more: Coronavirus Delta Plus Variant: Will the Delta Plus variant cause a third COVID wave? Here's what the Centre has to say

As the nation unlocks and with several states lifting their border restrictions, the safety of the people remains in one's own hands. Being mindful and adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour is the only way we can prevent the spread of the virus, especially the new emerging variants. That said, here are some precautions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Read more: New symptoms of Delta COVID Variant: "It may feel like a bad cold or a funny off feeling"

Given that the Delta Plus variant is more transmissible and spreads faster than the previous variants, maintaining social distance is extremely important. Double mask when you have to, especially when you're outdoors and in crowded places. Apart from that, wash your hands regularly or sanitize them.

Avoid going outside and stay home. In case of emergency, mask up and avoid touching contaminated surfaces. Keep your children indoors too and introduce them to fun activities that will distract them from the outside world.

While some people continue to remain sceptical, vaccination is the only way to gain some immunity against the virus. Studies have suggested that certain COVID vaccines can prove effective against the new variants including the Delta variant, which makes it all the more important to get your vaccine shot.

Read more: Coronavirus Delta variant: How effective are COVID-19 vaccines against the newest Delta variant?

Reportedly the Delta Plus variant has been detected in about 22 COVID cases in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh.

The Union Ministry has warned the three states and has advised, "The Chief Secretaries of the states have been advised to take up immediate containment measures in these districts and clusters, as identified by INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia), including preventing crowds and intermingling of people, widespread testing, prompt tracing as well as vaccine coverage on priority basis."