Union Health Ministry on June 22 categorised the Delta Plus variant of the novel Covid-19, so far detected in three states in the country, as a ‘variant of concern’. It directed states to take up immediate containment measures in clusters where the variant has been detected. The decision comes after INSACOG, a consortium of 28 laboratories of the Health Ministry that is involved in genome sequencing, informed the Centre on June 22 that the Delta Plus variant has three worrying characteristics, increased transmissibility, stronger binding in receptors of lung cells and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response. Delta Plus variant or B.1.617.2.1 is closely related to the Delta Variant, a major contributor to the second wave of Covid-19 in India. Like Delta, the Delta Plus variant has mutation in the spike protein region of the RNA virus, which potentially makes it more transmissible. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan tweeted That The Delta Plus variant has been observed sporadically in Maharashtra, Kerala & MP with around 40 cases identified so far.