New Delhi (NVI): A new variant of the novel coronavirus has been identified in the United Kingdom that could be partly linked to a rapid rise in infections, the government has said, as authorities have ordered to place London and its surrounding areas under the country’s highest level of COVID-19 restrictions.
Although there was currently nothing to suggest the new strain was likely to cause more serious disease or that it would not respond to a vaccine, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that it could be contributing to higher infection rates.
Addressing the House of Commons, Hancock said scientists had pinpointed more than a thousand cases involving the new variant that “may be associated with the faster spread” in regions including London.
Hancock confirmed the World Health Organization had been notified.
Furthermore, Hancock announced London is to move into England’s toughest level of coronavirus restrictions from midnight Wednesday, in a bid to counter a surge of infections.
Bars, cafés and restaurants will close except for takeaway orders, while spectators will no longer be allowed inside theaters and football stadiums.
Data shows cases rising in all of London’s 32 boroughs and in total almost 24,000 new coronavirus cases per week in greater London.
London is currently in Tier 2, which applies to most of England.
Meanwhile, the UK started vaccinating people over 80 and healthcare workers on December 8 with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and its regulators are also evaluating other vaccines, including one developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.
Thousands have been vaccinated so far but they must return in 21 days for a second shot.
-CHK
