New “Out of Control” Coronavirus Strain Detected in UK

While the world is still waiting to pass over the stumbling block that the noble coronavirus has created, a new “out of control” virus was detected in the UK. Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said that the emergence of a new, fast-spreading virus strain, which is 70% “more transmissible” was detected and it led to a surge in the infection rate there.

This strain was also detected in the Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, and South Africa. As a protective response Belgium, Netherlands, along with other countries suspended their flights from the UK on Sunday. The health secretary Matt Hancock said that the government has imposed a strict Christmas lockdown in London and southeast England because of the same reason. Hancock alerted that the measures taken affect almost one-third of England’s population and would stay in place until the virus vaccine is fully rolled out. He added, “We acted very quickly and decisively,” justifying the “stay at home” order, which puts a ban on family gatherings over Christmas and closure of non-essential shops. “Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have to get it under control.”

The Netherlands said that it would cancel flights from Britain from Sunday until January 1. A similar ban was imposed by Germany, Austria, Poland, India, and Italy. Italy’s health minister, Roberto Speranza informed that the flights and entry into Italy by anyone who has travelled to Britain in the last 14 days would be prohibited.

WHO informed that the new strain was identified in southeastern England in September and has been spreading in the area since then. The Prime Minister of the UK, however, stressed,” There’s no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness, or that vaccines will be less effective against it.” Tier-4 restrictions have been imposed, under which:

• No mixing of households will be allowed except under some conditions.
• Travel in and out will not be permitted until absolutely necessary.
• People will be permitted to meet in Christmas bubbles for just one day in place of five.
• Still small, private gatherings are allowed.

Since the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, thousands of mutations have occurred in the novel coronavirus, but only some have led to a panic. A new variant of the virus was also discovered in South Africa, which was accountable for a second wave in the country. It is responsible for causing severe illness in younger patients with no comorbidities.

Over to you:

The new variant of the virus which is 70% more transmissible definitely imposes a threat on the current healthcare system which is making its way towards recovery. All the nations will now, however, be in a better state to take actions to curb the spread further. But, in any circumstance, taking the precautionary measures on a personal level is non-negotiable. So, wear a mask, maintain distance and wash your hands every now and then.