The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that it was not aware of the 'Nepal Variant' of SARS-CoV-2 being detected in Nepal.

The statement came after The Daily Mail, an English online, published that scientists had alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal, which had apparently spread to Europe. The mail said they feared the strain was resistant to vaccines.

According to the Mail, foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about the Nepal variant.

'The Government will today update its 'green list' of countries holidaymakers can visit without having to go into quarantine' the Mail added. 

Quoting to experts, the Mail writes there are thousands of variants. This is a virus that is changing all the time. But '...What matters is data and the success of our vaccination programme'.

It is claimed that there was found the Nepal variant in Portugal. So, Portugal could lose its green status today. It means holidays to the Continent may be severely restricted until August--the month now being targeted by ministers for a significant reboot of foreign travel.

Responding to the claim of the Daily Mail, WHO said the three known strains in circulation in Nepal are the Kent variant (Alpha) and two Indian variants (Delta and Kappa). And, the predominant strain in the country is currently Delta, which is the main Indian strain currently causing issues in the UK.

The Mail further said, 'Portugal was one of 12 countries and territories to be rated green just three weeks ago, and is the only typical holiday hotspot for Brits on the list'.

Now, there are even fears Portugal may lose its green status today due to a rise in cases and possible new variants.