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Maharashtra Health Minister Says There’s No Need to Panic About the New COVID-19 Strain

On December 29, six flyers from the UK were tested positive for the new strain, with the number now touching 20

Maharashtra Health Minister Says There’s No Need to Panic About the New COVID-19 Strain
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As India has reported multiple flyers from the UK testing positive for the new strain of COVID-19, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that the state hasn’t detected any patient carrying this particular strain of the virus. 

On December 29, six flyers from the UK were tested positive for the new strain, with the number now touching 20. “Of the 43 passengers who have returned to Maharashtra from the UK, not a single one has tested positive for new corona strain," Tope said while adding that there is no reason for people to panic.

ReadGovernment Extends COVID-19 Surveillance Upto January 31

The Health Minister warned, however, that the rate of infection of this new COVID-19 strain is around 70 per cent higher than the previous strain, indicating that the infection is likely to spread more quickly. This is something that top epidemiologists have said as well, though there’s currently no evidence to suggest that this strain is more dangerous. 

“The United States and Europe are imposing a lockdown. People should follow the self-discipline so that we do not have to the same. Masks, safety rules must be followed,” Tope said of the new strain.

Also read6 UK Returnees Test Positive For New COVID-19 Variant

The Maharashtra Surveillance Officer, Epidemiology Department (ED), Dr Pradip Awate echoed the Health Minister’s sentiments about the new virus and said there’s no need to worry. “All must follow the relevant SOPs of the government,” he said while speaking to IANS.

Last week, the State Government ordered a comprehensive survey of people who returned from the UK or the Middle East after November 25. This decision was taken to trace any cases of the new strain that may have reached the state undetected.  

Meanwhile, the Central Health Ministry has mentioned that testing protocols and existing treatment regimen and genomic surveillance were found to be effective against the new strain of the virus. Further, the ministry has said that 33,000 passengers from the UK are in the process of being traced and tested.

ReadMumbai's COVID-19 Doubling Rate Reaches 374 Days

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