The new coronavirus strain first detected in the United Kingdom has also been identified in Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon, Singapore and a number of other countries.
Six people who had recently returned from the United Kingdom to India tested positive for the latest coronavirus strain, which apparently travels at a much faster rate and sets warning bells ringing across the globe.
A total of 6 samples of 6 UK returnees were found to be positive for the latest UK variant genome. According to the government release, 3 samples were found in NIMHANS of Bengaluru, 2 in CCMB, Hyderabad and 1 in NIV, Pune out of all the samples examined.
Meanwhile, the government has reported records of the mutant form of coronavirus being found in India and has “established a proactive and preventive strategy for detecting and containing the mutant variant.”
Both 6 affected individuals have been kept in single-room isolation by the respective state governments in the designated health care facilities. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Meanwhile, the government is involved in a systematic touch tracing exercise for co-travellers, family and others.
Last week, India halted flights from the United Kingdom until 31 December, following the appearance of a new coronavirus strain in the world, according to which the UK Government has shown signs that it is 70% more communicable.
The government said in a statement, “The situation is being monitored carefully and regular advice is being provided to states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and shipment of samples to INSACOG laboratories.”