[UPDATED] Covid-19: India reports on ‘Singapore variant’ untrue, republic says

SINGAPORE – There is no “Singapore variant” of Covid-19, said the republic’s Health Ministry in response to Indian news reports making the claim.

“The strain that is prevalent in many of the Covid-19 cases in recent weeks is B.1.617.2, which originated in India. Phylogenetic testing has shown the B.1.617.2 variant to be associated with several clusters in Singapore,” said a ministry spokesman in a statement last night.

“There is no truth whatsoever in the assertions found within the reports.”

The ministry was referring to reports including one by Hindustan Times quoting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with the headline “Coronavirus variant found in Singapore can be India’s 3rd wave, extremely dangerous for kids, warns Arvind Kejriwal”.

Indian news portal NDTV also carried a story on the matter, with the headline “Stop Singapore Flights: Arvind Kejriwal To Centre Over New Covid Strain”.

Both were published yesterday.

The city state today called in India’s envoy to protest against Kejriwal’s “unfounded” claim that the “Singapore variant” is “extremely dangerous” to children.

The chief minister has also urged the government to impose a flight ban in view of the purported threat.

Singapore’s Foreign Ministry said it has expressed concerns to India’s high commissioner about the “unfounded assertions”.

The ministry said it is “disappointed that a prominent political figure failed to ascertain the facts before making such claims”.

Kejriwal’s comments have also invited the wrath of the Indian government, which said he has no authority to speak on such matters.

“Irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships,” tweeted Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

“So, let me clarify – Delhi CM does not speak for India.” – Agencies, May 19, 2021