HEALTH authorities have identified a new Covid-19 virus strain known as A701V from 60 Covid-19-positive test samples from the Benteng Lahad Datu prison cluster. 

Director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry has yet to determine whether the strain is highly infectious and spreads aggressively. 

He said the ministry will monitor the infectivity and the effectiveness of vaccine on this particular strain.

The cluster, which ended on December 14, infected 1,146 people.

Malaysia had previously reported an infectious strain known as D614G, which was spotted in the Sivagangga and Tawar clusters in Kedah.

On a separate note, Noor Hisham said those entering Malaysia from the United Kingdom will be quarantined for 10 days.

This is following the discovery of a new infectious virus variant in the UK.

“Studies showed there is not much of a difference between 10 and 14 days of quarantine, as most cases will develop symptoms or the virus can be detected within the first week,” he said. 

Countries around the world have begun banning flights and travellers from Britain as the spread of the infectious new coronavirus strain was now “out of control”.

Scientists first discovered the new variant – which they believe is 70% more transmissible – in a patient in September. – December 23, 2020.