<span style="color: #222222;">The National Task Force, NTF today discussed evidence-based modifications in testing, treatment and surveillance strategies for COVID-19 in view of the new virus strain from the UK. The meeting of the task force was convened by ICMR under the co-chairpersonship of Member Niti Aayog, Prof Vinod Paul and Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR, Prof Balram Bhargava. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During the meeting, it was emphasized that since the UK variant strain is implicated to cause increased transmissibility of the virus, it is critical to identify individuals infected with this strain and adequately contain them to prevent its transmission in India. The National Task Force concluded that there is no need to change the existing Treatment Protocol in view of mutations emerging in the strain.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The task force has recommended that in addition to the existing surveillance strategies, it is critical to conduct enhanced genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 specially in incoming passengers from the UK. National Center for Disease Control, NCDC informed that the Government has taken cognizance of the reports of mutant variants reported from the UK and the response of other Countries to these reports. The situation is being monitored proactively. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">A strategy has been put under place to detect and contain the mutant variant. All passengers who had arrived from the UK between 21st December to 23rd December 2020 have been tested at the Airports. It said, all positively tested passengers are put under institutional isolation and their samples sent for Whole Genome Sequencing. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">All the contacts of the positive cases are also put under facility quarantine and are tested as per the ICMR guidelines. The negative passengers are permitted to exit the airports. The list of all UK arrivals during the last 28 days has been shared by the Bureau of Immigration with the concerned States. Five per cent of the positive cases from all States and Union Territories will be tested for Whole Genome Sequencing.</span><br />''