New Delhi: A new South African variant of coronavirus has been detected in France. According to media reports, the variant which has been named 501.V2 was found in a man who had returned to his home n Switzerland from South Africa.

The report comes just a few days after Japan reported the first case of the variant. According to a report by ANI, Japan Times reported that a woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 had tested positive for the new 501.V2 strain.

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There are fears that the new South African strain is more contagious than the earlier coronavirus strain that had started spreading across the world after it was first reported in China.  The report says that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new coronavirus restrictions including strict mask-wearing rules and a curfew extension amid fears over the new coronavirus strain (501.V2) that could be more infectious.

New variants of Covid-19

So far, two new variants have been reported. The UK strain B.1.1.7, which has now been reported from several countries including India. And the new South African strain cases of which were also reported from the UK. The UK, Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said. "This new variant is highly concerning because it is yet more transmissible and it appears to have mutated further than the new variant that has been discovered in the UK."

Meanwhile, a total of 25 people in India have tested positive for the new UK variant genome of SARS-CoV-2. These 25 people include the 20 who were found positive with the mutated strain on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All 25 persons are in physical isolation in health facilities," the Union health ministry said. Comprehensive contact tracing has started for co-travellers, family contacts, and others.