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China has recorded the first case of infection with the new strain of coronavirus that is spreading rapidly in the United Kingdom, announces the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Countries around the world have cut travel ties with Britain to stop the spread of the new mutation, which scientists say is up to 70% more contagious than the original virus, Reuters notes.
The new strain of Covid-19 was detected in a 23-year-old woman who recently returned to China from the UK. He tested positive on December 14 in Shanghai. The case poses a major threat to the prevention and control of COVID-19 in China, according to CDC health experts.
The researchers conducted an analysis of the patient on December 24 and found that the strain with which he was infected is a variant known as “VUI202012 / 01”. The strain includes a genetic mutation that, in theory, could lead to the spread of COVID-19 much more easily between humans.
China will suspend direct flights to and from the United Kingdom for an indefinite period, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said last week.
The patient from Shanghai was transferred to a medical institution and is currently in quarantine, under supervision. Doctors have started an epidemiological investigation to identify all direct contacts.
Editing: Alexandra Andronie
