WHO classifies B1617 variant, first identified in India, as global variant of concern The coronavirus variant first identified in India last year is now being classified as a variant of global concern, with some preliminary studies showing that it spreads more easily, the World Health Organziation said on Monday. Social Sharing Thomson Reuters · Posted: May 10, 2021 2:56 PM ET | Last Updated: May 10 COVID-19 cases have been spiralling out of control in India, where this variant was first discovered, and the latest wave has already overwhelmed hospitals. (Anindito Mukherjee/Getty Images) The coronavirus variant first identified in India last year is now being classified as a variant of global concern, with some preliminary studies showing that it spreads more easily, the World Health Organziation said on Monday.