New Covid variant 'Arcturus' emerges with compulsory masks returning after surge

A new variant of Covid-19 dubbed 'Arcturus' is behind a fresh surge of infections in India.

The Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16 strain is causing havoc in the country where cases have soared 13-fold in the last month.

India's health ministry launched mock drills this week in an attempt to see if hospitals are prepared to deal with a possible influx of patients following the rise in cases.

Wearing face coverings in public has been made compulsory again in some states, being the first time in more than a year for some.