Mumbai: The new coronavirus strain found in the UK has not yet been detected in Maharashtra till date but the state ready to tackle it whenever necessary, a top state medical officer said on Tuesday.

"So far, from among all UK returnees in the past few days, 30 have tested positive for Covid-19. There's nobody detected so far with the new strain," Maharashtra Surveillance Officer, Epidemiology Department (ED) Dr Pradip Awate told IANS.

"There's absolutely no cause for worry although the new strain of virus is said to spread rapidly. All must follow the relevant SOPs of the government," said Dr Awate.

Maharashtra has ordered an extensive survey of all people who have returned from the UK-Middle East after November 25. They include all who have travelled in from these two regions to Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur international airports, with comprehensive measures to detect if any are COVID positive.

PUNE REMAINS WORST AFFECTED

Pune district is the India’s worst hit districts with a total 3,70,962 cases and 7,726 deaths, followed by Mumbai with 2,91,471 cases and 11,088 fatalities and Thane with 2,53,308 cases and 5,556 deaths till date. The state’s recovery rate now stands at 94.04 per cent.

Meanwhile, the state’s total case now stands at 19,22,048 with 49,305 deaths till date.

(With inputs from IANS)