France has detected its first cases of contamination with the B.1.617 variant of the novel coronavirus, currently very present in India, the country's health ministry said in a statement.

A first case, involving a woman who travelled to India and is living in southwestern France, was confirmed on Thursday, the ministry said.

Two other people who travelled to India were infected with the so-called Indian variant in southeastern France, the ministry said.

A woman, wearing a protective face mask, walks past a closed restaurant in Paris, France, April 29. — Reuters
A woman, wearing a protective face mask, walks past a closed restaurant in Paris, France, April 29. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

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