London, UK (CWBN)_ It was announced yesterday (20th Dec) that PM Boris Johnson will be chairing the emergency committee today with regard to the outbreak of a new strain of the Covid-19 virus, which has been largely attributed to the increase in infections.
The news arrived just after several European states, including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Belgium imposed a temporary travel ban on the UK, however, the measures arrived a little too late as new strain already been reported from the Netherlands and Italy.
The EU is expected to coordinate its response to the development today (21st Dec). Moreover, a similar strain has also been identified in South Africa and in Australia.
Germany and the Netherlands have imposed lockdowns in a bid to curb the infection.
As per the recent implementation of Tier IV restrictions in large parts of the UK, it is expected that a population of over 16 million will be locked at home this Christmas, despite Johnson’s assurances that a restrictions will be eased for the season, earlier last week.
UK officials have claimed that the virus is now “out of control”.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been informed of the developments, particularly in the UK, and will be coordinating with the respective authorities. Nonetheless is suspected that the new strain would likely be about 70 percent more infectious compared to the strain encountered earlier this year.
