Newer, faster COVID strain sends London into strictest Lockdown, WHO to probe variant

United Kingdom, where the vaccination against Coronavirus has already begun, is set to enter into the highest level of COVID restrictions beginning Wednesday. The decision to enforce tier-3 restrictions across Britain was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock in the House of Commons.

Hancock cited a "very sharp" spike in Covid-19 cases in Greater London, Kent & Essex caused by a new variant of the novel coronavirus. This new variant is responsible for "faster spread which is leading to cases doubling in some areas every seven days," Health Secretary Matt Hancock said adding that "swift & decisive action" is the need of the hour.

Hancock told British MPs that "We have currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the south of England, although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority areas".

The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged this new strain of the virus with the body's top emergencies expert Mike Ryan telling a news briefing in Geneva, "We are aware of this genetic variant reported in 1,000 individuals in England."

"Authorities are looking at its significance. We have seen many variants, this virus evolves & changes over time," news agency Reuters quoted Mike Ryan as saying. 

However, neither British authorities nor the WHO have asserted that this new strain of the coronavirus could fail to respond to a vaccine.

As per England's 3-tier emergency system, people wont be allowed to socialise indoors starting Wednesday. In addition, bars, pubs, restaurants & eateries will remain closed with the exception of takeout.

According to latest data, the United Kingdom has reported 18,54,500 confirmed cases of Coronavirus while the virus has claimed 64,268 lives in the island nation to date. 

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