• Identification of new variants: Testing and monitoring help in identifying the presence of new global variants of COVID-19 in India. This enables health authorities to understand the extent of circulation and potential impact of these variants on public health.
• Controlling the spread: By monitoring the new variants, authorities can take timely and appropriate measures to contain the spread. This includes implementing targeted testing, contact tracing, and isolation/quarantine measures to break the chains of transmission.
• Protecting public health: Testing and monitoring provide important data to assess the efficacy of vaccines and treatment options against the new variants. This information assists in formulating effective public health strategies, including vaccine deployment and treatment protocols.
• Preventing surge in cases: Through enhanced testing and monitoring, the detection of new variants can help anticipate potential surges in cases. This allows for early interventions, such as implementing local lockdowns or travel restrictions, to prevent overwhelming healthcare systems.
• Informing policy decisions: Data from testing and monitoring of new variants provides crucial evidence for policymakers, aiding decision-making regarding containment measures, travel guidelines, and prioritization of resources.

In conclusion, testing and monitoring new global variants of COVID-19 in India are of utmost importance to control the spread, protect public health, and inform policy decisions.