In news that has stirred panic across the nation, India on Wednesday has recorded 14 more cases of the mutated strain of the coronavirus. With these 14 cases added to the tally, the authorities said that 20 patients have been infected with the mutant strain which is allegedly 70% more transmissible and has become the cause of panic for countries across the world. 

The 20 cases so far include six patients that were reported earlier 3 in Bengaluru, 2 in Hyderabad in 1 in Pune. The six persons were all returnees from Britain, United Kingdom. It is to be noted that this mutant strain was first reported in the UK in September and has been considered to be highly transmissible but not as lethal by medical experts.

According to the statement given by the Health Ministry, the infected patients have been kept in isolation with their close contacts being put under strict quarantine. 

Here is the list of states where Indian returnees from the UK were found positive for the new mutated variant of COVID-19:

  • Karnataka: Karnataka is the most recent state which has been facing the impact of the new strain of the COVID-19 virus. Earlier on Tuesday, three persons had tested positive for the new coronavirus strain. On Wednesday four more patients tested positive, taking the total to seven.
  • West Bengal: As the story develops, West Bengal too has come out with its first case of the new coronavirus strain on Wednesday.
  • Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh: So far one returnee from the UK has tested positive for the new virus strain. 
  • Uttar Pradesh: One patient was tested positive in the most populous state of the country. What has alarmed the health officials and citizens of UP alike is the fact that it is a two-year girl that’s been found positive. 
  • Delhi: So far India has 20 persons who have been found positive of the new virus strain. Of those 20 patients, 4 patients are from Delhi. 

Following the detection of new cases of the new coronavirus strain, India has also extended its ban on flights from the United Kingdom till 7th December. Previously the Indian government had announced only a week-long ban on flights between India and the UK which would have lasted till 31st December. 

Taking to Twitter, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that “Decision has been taken to extend the temporary suspension of flights to & from the UK till 7 January 2021.”