The health authorities of Telangana have said that not a single case of coronavirus belonging to the new strain that was discovered in the UK has been found in the State. As many as 355 individuals have travelled from the UK to Telangana since December 15.

"We are following up with the UK returnees and testing them. Data of those individuals who returned from the UK since the first day of this month will be collected. The individuals will be tested for covid-19," the authorities said on Tuesday.

A helpline number has been provided for those who travelled from the UK to the State in the last 21 days. They may contact authorities on 040 -24651119 if there is anything.

Dr G Srinivasa Rao, Director of Public Health, the Government of Telangana, said, "There is no need to panic."

Virologists are of the view that the new mutant spreads faster but it is not deadlier. "Tests have been conducted in good numbers in Telangana. Cases are coming down. The machinery is fully geared up to meet the challenge should cases increase," authorities have said. Those who test positive for the new strain will be treated separately.

It has been requested of the general public not to participate in New Year revelries in view of the threat.