[ad_1]
UK officials have identified “a new variant of the coronavirus that may be associated with the more rapid spread in southern England.”
“We have currently identified more than 1000 cases with this variant predominantly in southern England, although cases have been identified in almost 60 different local authority areas,” said British Health Secretary Matt Hancock. “And the numbers are increasing rapidly.”
He did not provide details on the virus variant, but said there was nothing to suggest that it was more likely to cause serious illness or that it would not respond to a vaccine.
Hancock said the government has notified the World Health Organization about the new variant.
READ MORE:
* For parents and children separated by Covid, Christmas comes with a stinger
* Covid-19: Europe reels as it sets virus records, slaps new rules
* Covid-19: the United Kingdom registers the highest number of new daily cases since the start of the pandemic
London and surrounding areas would be placed under the highest level of coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday (Thursday NZT) as infections rise rapidly in the capital, Hancock said.
He said the government must take swift action after seeing “very sharp exponential increases” in Greater London and nearby Kent and Essex. He said that in some areas, cases double every seven days.
National Institutes of Health / AP
The UK government has notified the World Health Organization about the new Covid-19 variant “which may be associated with the more rapid spread in southern England”.
Under Level 3 restrictions, the most difficult level in England’s three-tier system, people cannot socialize indoors and bars, pubs and restaurants must close except for take out.
In November, London was among the areas with the lowest regional infection rates in England. But some areas in and around London had become virus hot spots.
Local officials in some districts of the capital have already advised some schools to close and switch to online learning as coronavirus cases rise.
Alberto Pezzali / AP
London and surrounding areas would be placed under the highest level of coronavirus restrictions as of Thursday (NZT) as infections rise rapidly in the capital.
On Sunday, Greenwich officials said the municipality was experiencing a period of “exponential growth” in cases, with infection rates now at their highest level since March.
Mayor Sadiq Kahn has suggested that the government request all London colleges and universities to close before Christmas due to outbreaks among those aged 10-19.
