UK PM to hold crisis meeting as several countries impose travel ban over new COVID strain

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be holding a crisis meeting on December 21 as several countries, including France and Argentina, blocked flights to Britain over a new highly infectious coronavirus strain that UK said was “out of control”. According to Guardian, meeting of COBRA civil contingencies committee comes amid warnings of “significant disruption” around ports in English Channel. transport of freight is also facing massive disruptions after France closed its border for 48 hours, which means lorries cant get across English Channel by boat. 

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. 

WHO, on or hand, called for stronger containment measures across Europe. According to Associated Press, Cana and Poland are among latest countries to halt flights from UK, following le of many in Europe. France, Germany, Italy, Nerlands, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Ireland and Bulgaria were among those who on Sunday h anunced widespre restrictions on flights from Britain. 

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UK PM imposes ‘Tier 4’ curbs 

Meanwhile, Johnson on Saturday anunced that he 'Tier 4' restrictions in several cities across country 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 more than two people will be allowed to gar in public . 'Tier 4' restrictions will be reviewed again on December 30 and based on evidence furr decision will be taken, said Prime Minister's office. 

Prime Minister, his Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific visor Sir Patrick Vallance, and Cabinet agreed that new strain of virus has changed current landscape and urgent action is needed to protect NHS and save lives. 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.

(Im: AP) 

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