The Ministry of Home Affairs, on Monday, issued new COVID-19 surveillence guidelines owing to the emergence of a new strain of the virus in the UK, PTI reported. 

In a statement, the Ministry said it has issued fresh guidelines for surveillance with regard to COVID-19 and these will remain in force till January 31.

Highlighting on the need to maintain caution due to the emergence of the new coronavirus variant, according to PTI, the ministry stated that there has been a continuous decline in active cases in India, but also noted a global surge at the same time. 

The MHA has further stressed upon demarcating containment zones carefully and to strictly follow all COVID 19-related Standard Operating Procedures.

“While there has been a continuous decline in the active and new COVID-19 cases, there is a need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in cases globally, and emergence of a new variant of the virus in the UK.”

“Accordingly, containment zones continue to be demarcated carefully; prescribed containment measures strictly followed within these zones; COVID-appropriate behaviour promoted and strictly enforced; and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed in respect of various permitted activities followed scrupulously,” the MHA said.