CMs Kejriwal & Gehlot urge Centre to ban flights from UK amid fears over new Covid strain

As a new mutation of COVID-19 virus has been found in UK, Opposition in India has demanded a complete ban on flights from United Kingdom. On Monday, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that Government of India should take immediate steps by banning flights to and from UK in order to prevent new strain of virus transmission in India. However, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has said that Central government is on alert and re is need to panic. demand by Opposition leers also comes at a time when UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is all set to be chief guest for Republic Day event on January 26. 

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab on December 15 following bilateral talks with Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar at New Delhi said that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “very generous invitation” to attend nation’s Republic Day celebration. In a joint conference after meet, Raab confirmed Johnson’s presence in India’s celebration on January 26, 2021, and being Republic Day Chief Guest. He also deted it as a “great hour”.  

RE | Nerlands government bans flights from UK after detection of new COVID-19 strain

New strain of Coronavirus in UK

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday h anunced that scientists have identified a new variant of COVID-19 virus which could spre faster than previous strain. Based on preliminary modelling data, New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats visory Group (NERVTAG) w consider that new strain can spre significantly more quickly and could increase R by 0.4 or more. Johnson's CMO Chris Whitty on Saturday said that United Kingdom has alrey informed World Health Organisation (WHO) about new strain of COVID-19 virus. 

RE | ' Christmas': UK PM Imposes 'Tier 4' Curbs After New Strain Of COVID-19 Variant Detected

UK imposes 'Tier 4' restrictions

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson anunced 'Tier 4' restrictions in several cities due to rapid spre of a new variant of COVID-19 virus. All n-essential services, including gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, hairdresser shops, and or retail outlets will remain closed. Social contact restrictions have also been introduced in 'Tier 4' areas, meaning t more than two people will be allowed to gar in public . places where 'Tier 4' curbs have been introduced, include Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey (excluding Waverley), Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Ror and Hastings, London, and some counties in East of England.  'Tier 4' restrictions will be reviewed again on December 30 and based on evidence furr decision will be taken, said Prime Minister's office. 

 Places of worship have t been closed as part of restrictions and Christmas bubble policy will longer apply in 'Tier 4'. Christmas bubbles can continue in 'Tier 1', 'Tier 2', and 'Tier 3' places with up to three households allowed to meet on Christmas Day.  Prime Minister's office said that re is evidence at moment to suggest that new variant causes a higher mortality rate, that it affects vaccines and treatments, or that testing will t detect cases.

RE | Italy detects new strain of coronavirus in person who h returned from UK

RE | COVID-19: Australian states impose travel ban as Sydney records spike in cases