While most developed countries had started genomic sequencing of samples — to study changes or mutations in virus structures over time — at the start of the pandemic, India took concerted efforts only in December 2020. The Union health ministry announced the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) to ramp up its sequencing efforts.

       The objective was to collect 5 per cent of all positive Covid samples in every state. However, it has not been able to achieve the 5-per cent mark. The data analysed by Business Standard from INSACOG’s weekly report shows the ...