The
National Centre for Disease Control (
NCDC) in Pune has told 18 states to keep an eye out for cases with the
UK variant of
SARS-CoV-2 after nearly 187 Covid-positive samples from these regions revealed the presence of the mutated version.
The states include
Maharashtra and Kerala both hold nearly 72% active cases in the country.
Dr Sujeet Singh, director of NCDC, said the states have been told to monitor international arrivals and ensure strict isolation of
positive cases, as per protocol. The
UK variant, scientists have said, could be more contagious.
Dr Singh said almost all large states (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan) have detected the UK variant.
“The governments have been told to keep a close watch on districts,” he said.
He added that over 6,000 samples from the country have been sent for genome sequencing to look for the mutated variant. While 187 positive samples were found with the UK strain, four had the South African variant, and one the mutated version from Brazil.
“Unusual spreads have to be monitored carefully. All international travellers have to be tested, and if found positive, samples must be sent in for genome sequencing. They have to be quarantined for 14 days, and will need a negative test before release,” Dr Singh said.
Maharashtra has recorded 12
Covid-19 cases with the UK variant. All patients were asymptomatic and have been discharged.
The state’s epidemiology cell has decided to sequence at least 5% daily samples (tested positive via
RT-PCR) to look for mutations in the virus.