All 6 UK returnees test positive for new coronavirus strain

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.”