New Delhi: The Delta Plus variant is being kept an eye on, and the vaccination process in India is expected to scale up in the coming week with renewed energy, NITI Aayog member VK Paul said in a Health Ministry briefing on Tuesday.

However, Paul warned that amid unlocking and the opening up of markets, people should maintain social distancing. 'Responsibility and discipline are two important things for unlocking," he said.

Talking about the Delta+ variant of the coronavirus, he said it had been around since March. 'This is a variant of interest but not yet one of concern. We have to assess its presence through INSACOG," he said.

'Virus transmission is very low right now. Cluster cases should be contained. We are dealing with a highly transmissible variant this year than we were in 2020, hence we need to exercise greater caution and strictly abide by COVID appropriate behaviour," he said.

He said that the results of the Novavax vaccine were promising. 'What we're learning from data available in the public domain that this vaccine is very safe and highly effective. It will be produced in India. Clinical trials are being conducted and are in the advanced stage of completion," he said. Meanwhile, Joint Secretary (Health) LavAgrawal said in the press briefing that India has seen a decline in active cases, which are now below 10 lakh after 65 days. 'A consistent decline in active cases is being seen, infections are currently at 9.13 lakh, a decrease in active cases by more than 28.3 lakhs," he said.