Scientists at Gujarat's government laboratory, Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre have succeeded in decoding the whole genome sequence of COVID-19.

Statement by Principal Secretary, Gujarat confirms that the entire genome sequence of COVID-19 has been decoded at the state government-run GBRC.

Statement by Principal Secretary, Gujarat confirms that the entire genome sequence of COVID-19 has been decoded at the state government-run GBRC.Principal Secretary of Health Jayanti Ravi said that the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) is the second institute that decoded the whole gene sequence of COVID-19 after the Pune-based NIV (National Institute of Virology). She added that the researchers at GBRC had found three mutations of the virus, whereas 6 mutations were already found by other research institutes around the world.

Tweets posted by Gujarat Chief Minister's office and GBRC states that GBRC is the first state government laboratory in India that found the whole genome sequence of COVID-19. It added that the findings would be helpful to track the origin of the virus, to develop the medicines and vaccine to prevent the virus.

According to GBRC director Chaitanya Joshi, the virus mutates in order to adapt and survive in different situations like the usage of medicines to control it. He added that the GBRC would develop a strategy to fight against COVID-19 after a proper analysis of gene sequence and mutations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.