BREAKING: New strain of COVID-19 detected in India as 6 UK returnees test positive

NEW DELHI: The new strain of COVID-19 has been found in India with samples of six UK returnees testing positive for the Britain variant -- three samples in Bengaluru's NIMHANS, two in Hyderabad's CCMB, and one in Pune's NIV tested for the new more infectious variant of the virus that has set the alarm bells ringing.

It needs mention here that the Centre said that there is a need for "surveillance, containment, and caution" due to a surge globally and the emergence of a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it has issued fresh guidelines for surveillance with regard to Covid-19 that will remain in force till January 31. The MHA has also asked the states and union territories to keep a strict vigil to prevent any rise in cases during the New Year celebrations and the winter season.

ALSO READ: Nagaland: Health Dept Steps Up Vigilance to Detect Covid-19 New Strain

The daily new coronavirus infections in India dipped below 20,000 for the third time this month taking the COVID-19 caseload to 1,02,24,303, while the recoveries crossed 98 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

A total of 16,432 new infections were reported in a span of 24 hours, the lowest in a little over six months. Meanwhile, the death toll increased to1,48,153 with 252 new fatalities.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 98,07,569 pushing the national recovery rate to 95.92 percent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 percent.

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