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Scientists and politicians are concerned about a new variant of the coronavirus that is spreading in south-east England. The country faces a huge challenge, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday. Based on the researchers’ initial findings, the discovered variant is up to 70 percent more contagious than the previously known form. Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized that there is no evidence that vaccines against the mutation are less effective.
Curfews in parts of England
To contain the virus, a harsh curfew lockdown has been implemented since Sunday in the capital London and across much of the south-east of England, including during the Christmas period. More than 16 million people are affected. Hancock did not rule out that the tougher measures remain in force “in the coming months.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) tweeted on Sunday night that it was in close contact with Britain. The UK authorities would continue to share information and results of their analyzes and studies. “We will keep Member States and the public informed as we learn more about the characteristics of this variant of the virus and its effects.” The WHO warned that all protective measures must continue to be taken to prevent the virus from spreading. The Netherlands has already reacted and has banned all flights to and from the UK.
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in the evening that Scotland would be cut off from the rest of Britain during Christmas. The reason for this is reports of a mutation in the virus.
All the news too #Crown in the ticker ⤵ https://t.co/LGE1fEdaVB
– WDR aktuell (@WDRaktuell) December 19, 2020
London Mayor Sadiq Khan showed understanding for the closure, in which non-essential shops and facilities must also close. “It is the coming and going that leads to so much fear, despair, sadness and disappointment,” Khan told the BBC on Sunday. “If we keep changing our minds, people like me will find it very difficult to ask them to listen to us.”
Highest declared crown level
Due to the spread of the new variant, the highest Corona Tier 4 has been introduced for London and other regions in South East England. Residents have not been allowed to leave this area since Sunday. Following the announcement of the stricter measures, many people spontaneously left on Saturday night to leave London. Photos and videos showed crowded train stations. “What they saw yesterday was a direct result of the messy way the announcement was made,” Khan said.
Traveling is “wrong” now
Understand that people want to travel with their families at the last second before travel bans go into effect. “But it’s wrong,” said the mayor. And regarding corona vaccines, he added: “How will you feel if you pass the virus on to older relatives, loved ones, whose lives could be long and fertile due to the vaccine, but who become infected with the virus and – God not want it – die? “
A vicious circle
German health expert and SPD politician Karl Lauterbach warned of mutations in the corona virus. “It is very likely that the mutations increase the risk of infection,” he told the Germany publishing network on Sunday. “This is another reason why the second wave should not be as strong. The more infections it allows, the greater the likelihood that even more dangerous mutations will occur. It is a kind of vicious cycle: more infections lead to more opportunities for mutations. and therefore more mutations. These, in turn, lead to more infections. So it goes on and on. “
(Quelle: What / Dpa)
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