Bengaluru: With the new strain of coronavirus setting alarm bells in India and around the world, southern state Karnataka has announced a night curfew in the state between 10 PM to 6 AM till January 2, 2021.

"In view of the new strain of coronavirus, it has been decided to impose (a) night curfew from today to January 2 between 10 PM to 6 AM. I request everyone to cooperate," Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa informed on Wednesday afternoon.

The night curfew has been done to prevent and contain the coronavirus strain found in the UK. "We are also monitoring international passengers arriving in the state," Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar told reporters.

Over 75 per cent of the deaths are being reported from Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana.

Neighbouring Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state till date.

Over 70 per cent of the daily new cases are being reported from Karnataka, 9 other states and union territory -- Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency IANS.

Several states have increased a vigil amid a new coronavirus mutation in UK and Africa. The mutant is said to be 70 per cent more aggressive, claim reports.

Apprehensive of cases rising in the country, India on Monday announced the suspension of all flights to and from the UK from December 23 till 31, 2020. All flights from India to the UK shall also stand temporarily suspended during the period, said the Centre.

Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar, a medical doctor by profession, on Monday had said the new virus emanating from the UK may be more contagious but not virulent. "Initial studies in the United Kingdom suggest that the corona virus may be more contagious than the present one but not more virulent," Sudhakar told reporters here after a meeting with the technical advisory committee of his department here.

The state government has set up kiosks at the Kempegowda international  airport to screen all passengers landing in the state from abroad.

Issuing  a warning to eateries violating Covid guidelines, Sudhakar said that action will be taken against hotels, resorts and pubs if they allow large gatherings in their premises on Christmas and New Year's Eve.