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A new variant of the coronavirus is said to be up to 70 percent more contagious than the known form, in the south of England the mutation accelerates the spread of the disease: this news worries many European countries – some have already introduced new restrictions on UK travelers set to foreclose against virus variant.
The Netherlands imposed a ban on landing on UK passenger planes. Belgium and Italy want to do the same. Germany is also considering the extent to which air traffic from Britain could be restricted.
“We have to get it under control”
The London government had warned that the new variant of the coronavirus was “out of control”. In London and south-east England, a strict lockdown with extensive exit restrictions went into effect on Sunday due to the mutation. The measures apply at least until December 30. Health Secretary Matt Hancock made clear that measures could take longer until enough people are vaccinated against the coronavirus. Without vaccines it would be “very difficult to keep it under control”, said the minister, and: “We have to control it.”
In the southeast of the country, people are instructed to leave their homes only in exceptional cases. All businesses that do not meet basic needs must close.
Also in Welsh a strict lockdown has been in effect since Sunday, Scotland and North Ireland follow December 26th. The Scottish government is also sealing the borders with its UK neighbors over the Christmas holidays.
Based on initial findings, the new virus mutation is “up to 70 percent more contagious” than the previously widespread form, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday. However, based on previous knowledge, it is not more deadly. There is also no evidence that the effectiveness of vaccines is affected by the new strain of the virus, Johnson said.
A spokesman for the Health Ministry said developments in the UK are being closely monitored. The information available from there on the mutation would be evaluated “under high pressure”. The federal government is also in contact with its European partners. Federal police warned against travel to Great Britain. On Twitter, he wrote: “Only travel to the UK if absolutely necessary. Air traffic may be suspended. “
The chief virologist of the Berlin Charité, Christian Drosten, wrote on Twitter that the mutation had not yet appeared in Germany.
Italy will become the “red zone” from Monday
Europe is currently fighting the second corona wave, with many countries imposing a tough blockade. Also in Italy, the measures will be tightened shortly before Christmas. In view of the rapid increase in the number of infections, the entire country will be declared a “red zone”, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Saturday night.
The highest level of corona measures in Italy takes effect on Monday and is valid until January 6. Each household should have the opportunity to visit family or friends only once a day. Travel to another region is prohibited. From December 28 to 30 and January 4, the rules will be relaxed a bit.
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