New infectious COVID-19 virus variant enters India

According to the information released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, “A total of 6 samples of 6 UK returnee persons have been found to be positive with the new U.K variant genome. 3 in NIMHANS, Bengaluru, 2 in CCMB, Hyderabad, and 1 in NIV, Pune.”

“All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated Health Care facilities by respective State Governments. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travelers, family contacts, and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on.” release given by ministry

The positive samples of the eight returnees have been sent to 10 INSACOG labs fro genome sequencing.

The presence of the new UK variant has reported in many countries tiill now . the Aistralia, Netherlands, Italy , Sweden , France , Spain , Switzerland , Germany , Canada, Japna , Lebanon and Singapore , so far, the release given by ministry.

The government of Inida has also ordered a mandatory testing of all UK returnee air passengers through RT-PCR test.

The new strain spreading in Britain is 70 percent more contagious than the original version, scientists have warned in a study. They have urged a fast vaccine rollout to help prevent more deaths.