Scientists have warned new COVID-19 variant identified in the UK is spreading faster
The global concerns are growing over a new strain of coronavirus identified in the United Kingdom after scientists warned a new variant of the coronavirus is spreading more quickly than others.
Alarming situation
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has warned that the newly identified variant of COVID-19 “can spread more quickly” than previous strains of the virus. With over 2 million cases and ore than 67,000 fatalities, Britain had among the highest COVID death rates in Europe.
British Health Minister Matt Hancock has said that the situation is “extremely serious” , and that the discovered variant of coronavirus is circulating “out of control”.
The World Heath Organziation (WHO) has confirmed that it is in “close contact” with the UK health authorities and will share details after learning more “about the characteristics of this variant of the virus and any implications .”
Italy has also detected a patient infected with the new strain of the coronavirus, called ‘VUI 202012/01’.
Christmas is cancelled
The hopes of millions of British people were dashed when the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced stricter coronavirus restrictions and stringent measures just before the proposed relaxation over Christmas in England. Some local newspapers described the tightening of measures as the “nightmare before Christmas”.
Due to the new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, “it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned” British prime minister announced. He also said that there “will be no relaxation on 31 December, so people must not break the rules at New Year.” He added: “I know how disappointing this will be, but we have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science.”
Countries impose UK travel bans
Meanwhile, European countries immediately announced travel bans to and from the UK due to the threat posed by the coronavirus variant. Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey and Canada have all halted flights.
