Govt issues advisory for states over new COVID-19 variant in South Africa

Centre has issued an advisory to the states after a new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529, with multiple mutations was detected in South Africa. The government said South Africa reported six cases, Hong Kong one case and Botswana three cases of this variant. It asked the states to ensure "rigorous screening and testing" of international travellers from these and 'at risk' nations.