Alluding to the emergence of a mutated variant of coronavirus in the United Kingdom, India's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday clarified that there is no need to panic as the government was alert on the issue.

"The government is alert. There is no need to panic. Do not get yourself tangled in the imaginary situation, talks and panic," Vardhan said during a press conference on the India International Science Festival 2020.

Earlier, the Health Ministry called an emergency meeting of its top advisors to discuss the emergence of the mutated strain of coronavirus in the United Kingdom, which has led to a massive surge in cases and prompted several countries to stop incoming flights from the country.

India on Monday announced a temporary ban on flights coming from the UK till 11.59 p.m. on December 31. The suspension commences from 11.59 p.m. on December 22.

Passengers arriving from Britain before the ban is imposed should be subjected to mandatory RT-PCR tests on arrival at the airports, he said.

"Those who are found positive on arrival must be sent for institutional quarantine and isolation set up by the state and UT governments, in collaboration with the states/UTs concerned," the letter added.

Those who are found negative in the RT-PCR tests will be advised to isolate themselves at home for seven days and will be medically monitored by the states and UTs concerned.

The decision came two days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the newly identified strain of the virus may be up to 70 per cent more transmissible and the UK health secretary said the new variant is "out of control".

(IANS)