<span style="color: #222222;">ICMR's Head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases Division, Dr Samiran Panda, has clarified that, new strain of coronavirus can not be blamed for the increasing number of cases in Maharashtra. In India, UK strain has been found in more than 150 patients while South African strain is observed in 4-5 patients. New brazil strain is observed in 2-3 patients in India.<br />''<br />''While speaking exclusively to AIR, Dr. Panda said, these strains are observed after genome sequencing of more than 2,000 patients. Of late a large number of people gather at marriages and other social functions and this might be the cause behind the increasing cases, Dr Panda said. He appealed to everyone to follow social distancing, wear a mask and Focus on hand and face hygiene. He also requested all to get vaccinated. He said that 2 weeks may be required to control the number of cases.</span><br />