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The World Health Organization announced on December 19 that it was in close contact with the UK government for more information on the new variant of the coronavirus. Taking its official Twitter account, the organization wrote: “We are in close contact with UK officials about the new variant of the COVID19 virus. They will continue to share information and results of their ongoing analyzes and studies.” Furthermore, WHO advised that it will update Member States and the public as it learns more about this new mutated SARS-C0V-2 strand that has been reported in parts of England.
Previously, UK scientists had warned Boris Johnson’s administration that there was a new mutated genome of the virus causing the COVID-19 disease that was more contagious and was spreading at a faster rate. This was followed by the UK Prime Minister backing down on his earlier announcements regarding Christmas rules as he imposed stricter Level 4 restrictions on London and parts of England. “It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that we cannot continue with Christmas as planned,” the UK Prime Minister said during a press conference. “The fight against COVID is the biggest crisis the world has ever faced in my life,” he added. Prime Minister Johnson cited “other European countries” in announcing the radical new measures to justify the shutdown.
Read: ‘No Christmas’: British Prime Minister imposes ‘Level 4’ curbs after new strain of COVID-19 variant was detected
Read: Trump attacks British Prime Minister’s ‘Level 4’ guidelines, says ‘the cure can’t be worse than the problem itself’
Tougher measures in Scotland
At the conference, Johnson stressed that the UK is indeed at a “dangerous tipping point” and must act immediately. He warned that the new guidelines could be in effect for up to six months if people disobey the restrictions and don’t adhere to the precautions. The new coronavirus chain was 70% more transmissible and it is now more necessary than ever to update the three-tier restriction system, Johnson said. The UK’s Liberal Democrats reportedly accused Johnson of acting too late, for being indecisive and ignoring earlier warnings. Leader Ed Davey claimed that the UK prime minister was undecided and totally failed the country.
Separately, the leaders of Scotland and Wales introduced tougher measures. Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in a press that people were being discouraged from mingling with anyone outside their homes. Traveling with strangers in cars and carpooling was prohibited, he said.
Read: Boris Johnson causing ‘heartbreak’ due to last minute change in COVID-19 guidelines: Minister
Read: As Temperatures Drop, Coronavirus Particles On Surfaces May Stay Infectious Longer – Study
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