India extends UK flights ban till Jan 7 over new covid-19 strain; 20 cases reported

India Wednesday extended the temporary suspension of flights to and from the United Kingdom till 7 January 2021 amid concerns over the new highly contagious strain of the coronavirus, first reported in Britain. “Decision has been taken to extend the temporary suspension of flights to and from the UK till 7 January 2021. Thereafter strictly regulated resumption will take place for which details will be announced shortly,” Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted. Earlier the ban was in effect till December 31, 2020.

The Civil Aviation Ministry’s decision comes after India reported 20 cases of new coronavirus strain. While six cases were detected on Tuesday, 14 people were found positive for the new virus strain today, news agency PTI reported.