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LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a “stay at home” order on Saturday for London and the southeast of England to slow down a new strain of coronavirus that is significantly more infectious.
Early data suggests that the new strain could be “up to 70 percent more transmittable,” Johnson said in a televised briefing.
It ordered new restrictions for London and the south-east of England from Sunday, saying that “residents of those areas must stay home” at least until December 30.
READ: UK confirms new variant spreads faster
The goal of the new rules is to slow the spread of the new strain to areas where it is not yet prevalent.
The measures will mean that around a third of England’s population cannot travel or be reunited with other households for Christmas.
It was a dramatic step after Johnson said last week that it would be “inhumane” to “cancel Christmas” by banning family gatherings, though he urged people to have small celebrations.
“With great regret I must tell you that we cannot continue Christmas as planned,” Johnson told the nation.
“Unfortunately, when the facts change, you have to change your approach.”
The announcement came as Britain has seen an increase in cases and hospital admissions this month.
“This virus has taken off, it is moving fast and is inevitably leading to a sharp increase in hospital admissions,” said Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser.
There were 27,052 new cases in the UK on Saturday, slightly fewer than on Friday.
Non-essential shops, gyms, cinemas, bowling alleys, casinos, hair salons and nail bars will be closed in London and other affected regions such as Kent, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Only one person from a household may meet a person from another household in a public place, outdoors.
