Isolated cases of Gamma variant of Coronavirus detected in Russia

Amid rising Covid cases in Russia, small quantities of the Gamma variant of coronavirus has been reported in the country, according to Interfax news agency. The Gamma variant was first found in Brazil.

Reports cited the Vector Institute saying Russia has seen isolated cases of Gamma variant. The vector institute has developed EpiVacCorona, Russia's second of four vaccines to be registered. The first was Sputnik V.

Also watch: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta...: all you need to know about the different Covid variants

Russia is seeing a surge in cases with 24,471 new Covid-19 cases and 796 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The Vector institute said the Delta and Gamma variants were categorised as "causing concern" because they spread more easily and can reduce the effectiveness of antibodies.