New Delhi, Dec. 21 -- Even as concerns emerged regarding rising mutant COVID-19 strain in the United Kingdom (UK) across the world, union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday urged the Indian population not to panic.

"The government is fully alert. In the last one year, as you all have seen, we took all necessary measures to ensure the safety of people," the health minister said, replying to a question if India is planning to impose a UK travel ban. Several countries imposed a ban on international flights from the UK, including Canada, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Hong Kong and the EU.

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The health minister's comments came shortly after chief ministers ...