The National Institute of Virology informed the state health department on Monday that three more people in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who recently returned from the United Kingdom, tested positive for the new mutant strain of Covid-19, which has been spreading at an alarming rate in the UK.

"They have mild or no symptoms. They are being monitored closely by our doctors," health secretary J Radhakrishnan said. All four of them, including the first Chennai resident who tested positive for the mutant strain of the viral infection a couple of days ago, have been admitted to the National Institute of Aging at the King Institute of Preventive Medicine campus. "From December 15, a total of 8,449 samples have been taken. Till yesterday 166 people including staffers have tested positive and per day less than five cases are testing positive. There is no reason to panic, less than 900 cases are being reported across Tamil Nadu. The mini-clinics are well received by the people, they walk-in to clinic and get tested if they develop any symptoms and get their results within a certain time period. Since its rainy days, we have a threat of Dengue next. All district collectors have been informed to spread awareness on this," the health secretary added.

The new highly infectious strain of coronavirus found in the United Kingdom has raised concerns among scientists and health officials as the variant's rapid infection rate has forced several European countries to place travel restrictions. According to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the fast-moving new variant of the virus is 70 percent more transmissible than existing strains and has been spreading at an alarming rate in London and southern England. Considering the situation, the Indian government suspended flights to and from the UK until January 8.