Experts believe B.1.617 could be more infectious than previous variants, based on how rapidly it is spreading in other countries.

"Preliminary reports from the UK, where B.1.617.2 is surging in some parts of the country, suggest it is 50 per cent more contagious than the UK variant B.1.1.7, which is already 50-100 per cent more contagious than the 'regular' strain," infectious diseases expert Raina MacIntyre said. READ MORE