Four new cases of mutant Covid strain in India, tally rises to 29

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For representational use [Image: Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels]
For representational use [Image: Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels]

New Delhi : Four cases of the mutant strain of the coronavirus were detected in India on Friday, Union Health Ministry has informed. The total of those who are affected by the strain - first found in the United Kingdom - has reached 29, ministry added.

Out of the four cases, three were found in Bengaluru, while one was detected in Hyderabad, as per the sources.

The highly infectious mutant strain, which first surfaced in the United Kingdom in September, was found to have reached India two days ago with travellers returning from the European nation.

All patients have been kept in isolation at designated health facilities.

The situation has pushed up concerns over a fresh spike in the infection, which has been brought under control from a high of 97,000 cases a day. The daily surge is now hovering around 20,000 cases.

Doctors have said the UK strain of the virus is super infectious -- 70 per cent more than the existing one.

While the country temporarily banned flights from the UK on December 21, the UK strain of virus -- said to be 70 per cent more contagious -- has reached Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.