Passenger from UK tests positive for Covid; sample sent to Pune to check for new strain

A day after India imposed restrictions on flights returning from United Kingdom amid fears over new COVID-19 strain, a passenger who returned from UK tested positive for virus. passenger traveled from UK via Delhi to Chennai. His sample has been sent to Pune Virology Lab to identify wher patient is infected by new variant of coronavirus. 

India on Monday restricted flights from and to UK between December 23 and 31 as a pre-emptive action against new variant of COVID-19 virus which could spre significantly faster than previous strain. 
Passengers arriving from UK on all international flights before suspension deline are being mandatorily tested for Coronavirus on arrival at Indian airports. 

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"Those found positive on arrival will be sent for institutional quarantine set up by State/UT governments. Those found negative will be vised to isolate at home for 7 days and will be medically monitored by States/UTs," said Civil aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. 

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines to strictly here to deline of ensuring that passenger flight lands here from UK after 11.59 pm on Tuesday. India has joined a growing list of countries like Cana, France, Germany, Nerlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Italy who have temporarily halted flights to UK.

' night curfew in Karnataka' 

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of neighbouring state Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa has said that state is taking precautionary measures amidst scare of new virus strain. "I came to kw about a person who tested positive after arriving from UK. We are following all guidelines. Whoever will come from UK will be tested at airport... re is need to impose night curfew in Karnataka," he said

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New Coronavirus strain emerges in UK

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has anunced that scientists have identified a new variant of COVID-19 virus which could spre faster than previous strain. Based on preliminary modeling data, New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats visory Group (NERVTAG) w consider that new strain can spre significantly more quickly and could increase R by 0.4 or more. 

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on December 19 anunced strict "Tier 4" curbs in several counties as a measure to contain spre of new strain. All n-essential services, including gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, hairdresser shops, and or retail outlets will remain closed in country. People living in Tier 4 areas are only allowed to leave home for work, childcare purposes, and exercise.

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