Health ministry calls emergency meeting to discuss new strain of coronavirus
New Delhi/IBNS: The Union health ministry called an emergency meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) after a new strain of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was reported in the United Kingdom.
Britain has warned the new strain of coronavirus is out of control and many countries in Europe, including Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and Italy, have either suspended or will soon suspend flights to and from the country.
A new strict stay-at-home lockdown has been imposed in the country from Sunday to curb the spread of the virus.
According to media reports, JMG, chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), will hold a meeting on Monday morning to discuss the issue. Dr Roderico H Ofrin, WHO’s India representative, who is also a member of the JMG, is likely to participate in the meeting.
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Sunday said the strict measures will affect at least one-third of the country's and will remain in place until vaccinations are rolled out.
The British government has said the new strain may be 70 per cent more transmissible.
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