Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan tried on Monday to allay concerns over the new strain of coronavirus found in the United Kingdom. “The government is alert. There is no need to panic,” the Minister said, ANI reported. 

UK PM Boris Johnson announced on Saturday strict restrictions in the capital London and in much of southeast England, AFP reported. While announcing the measures, he said the new virus strain could be 70% more infectious. It has become the prominent strain in London, Johnson said, adding that cases were rising despite boosted restrictions. 

Meanwhile, a number of European nations, which include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands have suspended flights from the UK. Canada has also announced a similar measure.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has on Monday urged the Centre to “ban all flights from UK immediately.”

Italy has also confirmed a case of the new strain of the novel coronavirus.