A new variant of COVID-19 has been identified in the United Kingdom.
This new variant of novel coronavirus is being believed as the reason for the recent rapid surge in infections in the Country.
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Over 1,000 infections with the new variant have been detected in the United Kingdom so far.
Meanwhile, keeping in view the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, London and its surrounding areas have been placed under strictest COVID-19 restrictions.
‘Tier 3’ of COVID-19 restrictions are set to begin in London and adjacent areas from Wednesday.
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United Kingdom Health Secretary – Matt Hancock said, “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 thus contributing to higher infection rates.”
“Over the last week, we’ve seen very sharp, exponential rises in the virus across London, Kent, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire,” he told the House of Commons in a statement.
Also read: First COVID-19 vaccine administered in United States
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the global health agency is aware of the new variant of coronavirus reported in the UK and was working with British and other health authorities to assess the situation.
“This kind of evolution and mutations like this are quite common. However, there is still no information that suggests this new variant is more deadly or spreads more easily,” said Michael Ryan, the chief of emergencies for the World Health Organization (WHO).
Notably, United Kingdom is one of the worst affected pandemic hit countries in the world, with over 64 thousand deaths so far.
Vaccination drive in the United Kingdom started last week.