The British capital will move to the most difficult upper tier of the three-tier Covid-19 alert system since early Wednesday morning after Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons on Monday that there has been an “exponential increase. very strong “case in recent times. days.
Hancock also revealed that a new variant of Covid-19 had been detected, which may have caused the spike in cases in London, Essex and Kent. The World Health Organization, he said, had been informed of the variant, which is unlikely to cause a more serious illness than others.
He said: “We have identified a new variant of coronavirus, which may be associated with the more rapid spread in the south-east of England. Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than existing variants. “
“We have currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant, predominantly in the south of England, although cases have been identified in almost 60 different local authority areas, and the numbers are increasing rapidly.”
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A city below Level 3 is subject to the most stringent restrictions, including the closure of pubs, cafes and restaurants; inability to blend indoors, in private gardens, or in most outdoor locations except inside a house or bubble.
Indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys and movie theaters, must also remain closed, and people are advised not to travel to and from Level 3 areas. The alert system review was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, but was advanced due to the increase in new cases.
Hancock called or continued surveillance in what he called “the home stretch,” since “it is not over yet … there is not a moment to lose,” but noted that the mass vaccination program has begun, as well as increased testing.
In addition to Greater London, the new areas on Level 3 are parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “The increase in coronavirus cases in our capital is very concerning … If the government decides to introduce more restrictions in London this week, the economic impact on businesses could be catastrophic with hundreds thousands of livelihoods at stake. ” .
“2020 has been a depressing year for our once thriving hospitality industry and world-famous cultural scene, which contribute billions to our economy and attract millions of visitors. Without protecting them, there can be no meaningful recovery, ”he added.
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