[ad_1]
By Reuters 
12h ago
London – More than 1,000 cases of a new variant of the coronavirus have been identified in recent days in England, predominantly in the south of the country, where it could be linked to an increase in cases, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Monday.
“We have identified a new variant of the coronavirus, which may be associated with the more rapid spread in southeast England,” Hancock said in a statement to parliament.
“Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than existing variants,” he said.
“I must emphasize at this point that there is currently nothing to suggest that the variant is more likely to cause severe disease, and the latest clinical advice is that this mutation is highly unlikely to not respond to a vaccine,” he added.
The World Health Organization said Monday that it is aware of the new variant of Covid-19 that has emerged in Britain, but there is no evidence that the strain behaves differently than existing types of the virus.
“We are aware of this genetic variant reported in 1,000 individuals in England,” WHO’s leading emergency expert Mike Ryan told a news conference in Geneva. “The authorities are analyzing its importance. We have seen many variants, this virus evolves and changes over time.”
Meanwhile, London will move to England’s highest level of Covid-19 restrictions, as one of the richest cities in the world struggles to contain the disease.
Earlier this month, the government implemented a three-tiered system of restrictions in England to try to keep a second wave of the virus in check after a month-long national lockdown. More than 40% of citizens were in the highest risk category.
However, London, whose 9 million inhabitants and its world’s leading financial center make it the engine of the British economy, is currently only at the second highest level of restrictions.
Tighter Level 3 restrictions will take effect in the capital from 0001 GMT on Wednesday.
The main difference between the top two levels is that bars and restaurants, which can remain open under certain conditions on Level 2, must close their doors on Level 3 and can only operate take-out services.
There are also additional restrictions on socializing, but workplaces and schools must remain open.
“Moving to Level 3 before Christmas will be deeply disappointing for Londoners and a terrible blow to the hospitality, leisure and culture sectors of the capital,” said John Dickie, Director of Strategy and Policy for the London business campaign group. First.
London was one of the first parts of the country to be hit by the coronavirus during the initial peak between March and May, but until recently a second wave has been more concentrated in the north and center of England.
Data released last week showed London’s case rates per 100,000 residents at 191.8, putting the city ahead of regions with more stringent rules, such as the West Midlands.
Based on that data, the government raised concerns about the spread of the virus in London schools and announced a mass testing program. Two London boroughs, Greenwich and Islington, have unilaterally decided to close their schools altogether.
[ad_2]
