"The Indian strain of coronavirus could cause a more severe pandemic."

The statement came from Professor Tek Ik In, dean of the So Svi Huk School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, the report said. The scientist's views were published in The Straits Times.

He noted the rapid spread of the strain in society, saying that the virus surpasses the ability of experts to track, isolate and break the chain of infection in a timely manner: "Straw B.1.617.2 could cause a stronger pandemic than ever before."

He also warned of the possibility of new, more contagious viruses in countries with weak pandemic control.

"Even Vietnam, which is effectively fighting the coronavirus, has encountered such new infections, where officials have discovered a new variant of the virus that is a hybrid of British and Indian strains," Tek Ik In said.

The scientist said that the vaccine is the most effective tool in this situation.

In late March, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the country.