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The emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus has forced the British authorities to establish harsh restrictive measures in much of the United Kingdom due to the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases.
Given the scientific evidence that indicates that the new strain accelerates the transmission of the virus by up to 70%, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced yesterday to modify the population movement plans for this Christmas, amid criticism of the Labor opposition for not having taken these measures earlier.
This worrying level of infections in London and the southeast of England forced the Executive to place these areas as of this Sunday at risk level 4 -severe-, with the closure of stores that sell non-essential items, gyms and cinemas, while people are being asked to work from home.
In addition, the autonomous authorities of Wales reported that all this territory will be in total confinement from midnight, while the flexible rules of movement on the days before Christmas are canceled with the exception of the 25th.
In Scotland, Chief Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that travel from Scotland to other British nations and vice versa will not be allowed, while the number of people who can meet on Christmas Day will be limited to eight.
In Northern Ireland, the authorities of this province also announced confinement measures that will take effect from December 26 and will last for six weeks.
The latest official figures indicate that 534 people died in the last day in the United Kingdom, bringing the total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic to 67,075.
After the British Government communicated a few days ago the appearance of the new strain, the authorities confirmed that they have already alerted the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although this variant spreads rapidly, there is no evidence that it is more lethal or that it may have an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines developed against COVID-19 and that are already being supplied in some countries, although this extreme is is urgently evaluating for confirmation.
The leader of the Labor opposition, Keir Starmer, said today that “millions of families will be heartbroken” by the measures and admitted his frustration because he unsuccessfully alerted the prime minister of this situation a few days ago in Parliament.
Johnson said this Christmas will be the opportunity to “raise the glass for those who are not,” in the hope that these restrictions will allow families to be able to meet again at Christmas next year.
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