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A “new variant” of the coronavirus has been identified in the UK, which is believed to be causing a more rapid spread in the southeast, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.
Its spread is growing faster than the existing variant, with more than 1,000 cases found, “predominantly in southern England,” Hancock told the House of Commons this afternoon.
There have been reports of the new variant in 60 areas from local authorities, and it is believed to be similar to that found in other countries in recent months.
Hancock told MPs that there is currently “nothing to suggest” that this variant is more likely to cause severe symptoms, adding that it is highly unlikely that it will not respond to a vaccine.
The government has notified the World Health Organization, while its scientists at Porton Down are conducting tests on the new variant, he added.
It comes after the health secretary announced that London, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will enter tighter Level 3 restrictions at midnight on Wednesday.
A decision was due on Wednesday on whether the capital and parts of the southeast should level up, but Hancock said the increase in cases made it necessary to move the changes forward.
