39 cases related to B.1.617 variant first identified in India reported in B.C.

The BC Centre for Disease Control and its public health lab are reviewing the genetic sequencing of what they are now calling a ``variant of interest'' that has made its way to this province.

A statement from the Ministry of Health says 39 COVID-19 cases involving the B.1.617 variant first identified in India were found in B-C by April 4th, but the strain was not then considered a variant of concern or a variant under investigation.

The statement says the ministry should be able to provide an update by later this week on the number and severity of cases linked to the latest variant.

Quebec identified its first case of the B.1.617 variant yesterday and Quebec Premier Francois Legault told media this morning that he and other premiers are concerned about flights coming from India or Brazil where specific variants have emerged.