Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Monday that the country will be in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-evidence-suggests-covid-19-originated-from-wuhan-lab-senior-us-official-354410">coronavirus</a> lockdown for the rest of January due to surge in cases with restrictions coming into force from midnight tonight.

Watch:

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Most schools in the country will remain shut till February 1, Sturgeon informed with home learning for most students.

"We have decided to introduce from midnight (0000 GMT Tuesday), for the duration of January, a legal requirement to stay at home, except for essential purposes. This is similar to the lockdown of March last year," Sturgeon said.

Under the stringent lockdown restrictions, only two people from two households will be allowed to meet outdoors and places of worship will be closed. Sturgeon asserted that people will only be allowed to leave their houses for essential reasons.

"In one lane we have vaccines, our job is to make sure they can run as fast as possible and that's why the government will be doing everything we can to vaccinate people as quickly as possible," Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament

"But in the other lane we have the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-targets-67-vaccination-against-coronavirus-to-achieve-herd-immunity-354429">virus </a>which as a result of this new variant has just learned to run much faster," Sturgeon told lawmakers.

Sturgeon warned the surging cases could lead to breach inpatient COVID-19 capacity within "three or four weeks" in the country's hospital.

According to the government, 1,905 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Scotland in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 136,498.&nbsp;

There were 13,810 new coronavirus tests conducted nationwide with 15 per cent testing positive for the virus. The death toll due to the virus in the country has reached 4,578.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Monday that the country will be in coronavirus lockdown for the rest of January due to surge in cases with restrictions coming into force from midnight tonight.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Monday that the country will be in coronavirus lockdown for the rest of January due to surge in cases with restrictions coming into force from midnight tonight. Watch: Most schools in the country will remain shut till February 1, Sturgeon informed with home learning for most students. "We have decided to introduce from midnight (0000 GMT Tuesday), for the duration of January, a legal requirement to stay at home, except for essential purposes. This is similar to the lockdown of March last year," Sturgeon said. Under the stringent lockdown restrictions, only two people from two households will be allowed to meet outdoors and places of worship will be closed. Sturgeon asserted that people will only be allowed to leave their houses for essential reasons. "In one lane we have vaccines, our job is to make sure they can run as fast as possible and that's why the government will be doing everything we can to vaccinate people as quickly as possible," Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament "But in the other lane we have the virus which as a result of this new variant has just learned to run much faster," Sturgeon told lawmakers. Sturgeon warned the surging cases could lead to breach inpatient COVID-19 capacity within "three or four weeks" in the country's hospital. According to the government, 1,905 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Scotland in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 136,498. There were 13,810 new coronavirus tests conducted nationwide with 15 per cent testing positive for the virus. The death toll due to the virus in the country has reached 4,578.

Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases

Japan on Saturday declared it will ban non-resident foreign nationals after it detected the new variant of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576">virus</a> from Britain.

Watch:

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The new measures will come into effect from December 28 which is set to last till late January&nbsp;as Japan battles the virus.

The government has allowed citizens and foreign residents to enter but they must show proof of negative coronavirus test in the last 72 hours before departing for Japan and quarantine for two weeks after arrival.

Japan's health ministry had reported five people who had arrived from Britain were detected with the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-tops-3-million-coronavirus-cases-amid-sputnik-v-vaccination-drive-352617">virus</a> strain which is believed to be up to "70 per cent" more infectious.

Japan reported 949 cases in capital Tokyo ahead of the New Years celebrations as PM &nbsp;Yoshihide Suga urged the nation to stay home and avoid social mixing.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged citizens to spend a "silent" New Year to prevent the spread of the virus while unveiling a fresh package of $2.61 billion for institutions treating coronavirus patients.

The country is set to host the Olympics in 2021 as authorities insist the virus cases are in control even as PM Suga has repeatedly said that he is determined to hold the games as proof that humanity has defeated the virus.

The Tokyo Olympics which were scheduled for 2020 were postponed by a year because of the pandemic.

The country has devised a plan for the virus with a panel urging authorities to vaccinate people aged 65 or older to get priority.

Japan has agreements with Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna to buy 290 million vaccine doses for a population of 126 million as the country faces a third wave of coronavirus infections putting the nation's medical system under strain.

Japan on Saturday declared it will ban non-resident foreign nationals after it detected the new variant of the virus from Britain. Watch: The new measures will come into effect from December 28 which is set to last till late January as Japan battles the virus.

Japan on Saturday declared it will ban non-resident foreign nationals after it detected the new variant of the virus from Britain. Watch: The new measures will come into effect from December 28 which is set to last till late January as Japan battles the virus. The government has allowed citizens and foreign residents to enter but they must show proof of negative coronavirus test in the last 72 hours before departing for Japan and quarantine for two weeks after arrival. Japan's health ministry had reported five people who had arrived from Britain were detected with the new virus strain which is believed to be up to "70 per cent" more infectious. Japan reported 949 cases in capital Tokyo ahead of the New Years celebrations as PM Yoshihide Suga urged the nation to stay home and avoid social mixing. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged citizens to spend a "silent" New Year to prevent the spread of the virus while unveiling a fresh package of $2.61 billion for institutions treating coronavirus patients. The country is set to host the Olympics in 2021 as authorities insist the virus cases are in control even as PM Suga has repeatedly said that he is determined to hold the games as proof that humanity has defeated the virus. The Tokyo Olympics which were scheduled for 2020 were postponed by a year because of the pandemic. The country has devised a plan for the virus with a panel urging authorities to vaccinate people aged 65 or older to get priority. Japan has agreements with Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna to buy 290 million vaccine doses for a population of 126 million as the country faces a third wave of coronavirus infections putting the nation's medical system under strain.

Japan bans entry of foreigners after detecting UK virus strain

The scientists in South Africa believe that the news Covid-19 mutant found in the country is likely to be more transmissible, may hit young people harder, and maybe slightly more resistant to vaccines. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-strain-from-south-africa-detected-in-uk-health-secretary-matt-hancock-351873">Also read | New COVID-19 strain from South Africa detected in UK: Health secretary Matt Hancock</a>

The new strain, called the 501.V2 Variant, was first discovered in South African province Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

South African Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said the new COVID-19 strain has three mutations and has spread in South Africa. The first case of this COVID-19 mutant was reported in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The new coronavirus strain has affected many young people and those with no pre-existing health conditions.

Dr Richard Lessells, an infectious diseases expert in South Africa, said the efficacy of existing vaccines against this variant could not be ascertained. Another red flag was the possibility of reinfection in those people who have already contracted coronavirus.

Meanwhile, with reports of a new strain over eight countries have so far closed doors to passengers coming from South Africa. Germany, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland, the UK, Uzbekistan and the Netherlands aren’t permitting any flights from South Africa to enter their country.

South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said that people experiencing no symptoms have been testing positive for the virus, adding, "The evidence that has been collated, therefore, strongly suggests that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant," reported ANI.

(With inputs from agencies)

The scientists in South Africa believe that the news Covid-19 mutant found in the country is likely to be more transmissible, may hit young people harder, and maybe slightly more resistant to vaccines.

The scientists in South Africa believe that the news Covid-19 mutant found in the country is likely to be more transmissible, may hit young people harder, and maybe slightly more resistant to vaccines. Also read | New COVID-19 strain from South Africa detected in UK: Health secretary Matt Hancock The new strain, called the 501.V2 Variant, was first discovered in South African province Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. South African Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said the new COVID-19 strain has three mutations and has spread in South Africa. The first case of this COVID-19 mutant was reported in Nelson Mandela Bay. The new coronavirus strain has affected many young people and those with no pre-existing health conditions. Dr Richard Lessells, an infectious diseases expert in South Africa, said the efficacy of existing vaccines against this variant could not be ascertained. Another red flag was the possibility of reinfection in those people who have already contracted coronavirus. Meanwhile, with reports of a new strain over eight countries have so far closed doors to passengers coming from South Africa. Germany, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland, the UK, Uzbekistan and the Netherlands aren’t permitting any flights from South Africa to enter their country. South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said that people experiencing no symptoms have been testing positive for the virus, adding, "The evidence that has been collated, therefore, strongly suggests that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant," reported ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

New Covid-19 mutant found in South Africa spreads more swiftly

A day after the UK government declared a new strain of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-mutant-found-in-south-africa-spreads-more-swiftly-351972">coronavirus </a>was discovered from South Africa, China on suspended flights from Britain.

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“Taking into account the changing nature of the virus and the impact this could have, and to safeguard the health of Chinese and foreigners coming and going, the Chinese side decided to suspend flights with Britain, after a thorough evaluation and consultation of other countries’ policies,” China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/families-of-coronavirus-victims-sue-italy-for-100-million-euros-351928">EU </a>countries including other governments announced a ban on flights from the UK after a COVID-19 variant was announced by British PM Johnson last Saturday.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, British foreign secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-strain-from-south-africa-detected-in-uk-health-secretary-matt-hancock-351873">Matt Hankock</a> had declared another strain was discovered in the UK which had come in from South Africa with two infected cases reported in the country.

The Johnson government moved quickly to introduce restrictions on travel from South Africa over the spread of another new variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-will-stay-with-us-for-the-next-10-years-says-vaccine-creator-351920">coronavirus</a>.

However, several European countries have now started easing travel bans imposed on Britain which has been negotiating with the EU for a last-minute Brexit deal which is set to announced shortly.

France had blocked the land border on Monday after PM Johnson declared that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferrable leading several thousand trucks stranded at the French-UK border at Dover.&nbsp;

Although the trucks were allowed to move early on Tuesday but British authorities insisted on a COVID-19 test for drivers leading to scuffles at the border as several truckers complained they would be stuck for days and would not make it in time for Christmas with their families even as WHO's Europe director Hans Kluge said that the UN body would "discuss strategies for testing, reducing transmission &amp; communicating risks."

Meanwhile, the Europen Union is planning to kick off its vaccination from December 27 as most of Europe is being forced to celebrate Christmas at home.

A day after the UK government declared a new strain of coronavirus was discovered from South Africa, China on suspended flights from Britain. Watch: “Taking into account the changing nature of the virus and the impact this could have, and to safeguard the health of Chinese and foreigners coming and going, the Chinese side decided to suspend flights with Britain, after a thorough evaluation and consultation of other countries’ policies,” China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

A day after the UK government declared a new strain of coronavirus was discovered from South Africa, China on suspended flights from Britain. Watch: “Taking into account the changing nature of the virus and the impact this could have, and to safeguard the health of Chinese and foreigners coming and going, the Chinese side decided to suspend flights with Britain, after a thorough evaluation and consultation of other countries’ policies,” China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. EU countries including other governments announced a ban on flights from the UK after a COVID-19 variant was announced by British PM Johnson last Saturday. On Wednesday, British foreign secretary Matt Hankock had declared another strain was discovered in the UK which had come in from South Africa with two infected cases reported in the country. The Johnson government moved quickly to introduce restrictions on travel from South Africa over the spread of another new variant of coronavirus. However, several European countries have now started easing travel bans imposed on Britain which has been negotiating with the EU for a last-minute Brexit deal which is set to announced shortly. France had blocked the land border on Monday after PM Johnson declared that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferrable leading several thousand trucks stranded at the French-UK border at Dover. Although the trucks were allowed to move early on Tuesday but British authorities insisted on a COVID-19 test for drivers leading to scuffles at the border as several truckers complained they would be stuck for days and would not make it in time for Christmas with their families even as WHO's Europe director Hans Kluge said that the UN body would "discuss strategies for testing, reducing transmission & communicating risks." Meanwhile, the Europen Union is planning to kick off its vaccination from December 27 as most of Europe is being forced to celebrate Christmas at home.

Now, China suspends UK flights over new virus strain

As the UK battles a new strain of coronavirus, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said another new strain of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-rejects-covid-19-stimulus-package-us-orders-another-100-million-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-doses-351856">COVID-19 </a>has been detected which has originated from South Africa.

Watch:

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"Anyone who has been in South Africa during the last fortnight or anyone who was&nbsp;in close contact with anyone in South Africa must be quarantined immediately," Hancock said, adding, "all travellers from South Africa in the past two weeks must isolate immediately due to the new variant which has been identified."

"The development is “highly concerning” because the new variant is more transmissible and appears to have mutated further," he added. Hancock said South Africa has been placed in immediate travel restriction with two cases detected in the country.

As the virus continues to surge in the country, the health secretary informed that there has been a significant number of new variant cases rising in East Anglia.

Hancock announced that Essex, Norfolk, Sussex, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Hampshire will enter Tier 4 restrictions from Boxing Day while Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon, Isle of Wight, New Forest, Northamptonshire, Cheshire and Warrington enter Tier 3 restrictions.

"Cornwall and Herefordshire will go into Tier 2 from&nbsp;Boxing Day," he said.

British PM Johnson last Saturday had said a new strain of the virus was discovered which was "70 per cent" more transferable while announcing&nbsp;Tier 4 lockdown measures across England.

The&nbsp; British PM's revelation had lead several countries to impose travel restrictions on UK which is expected to continue in the New Year.

As the UK battles a new strain of coronavirus, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said another new strain of COVID-19 has been detected which has originated from South Africa.

As the UK battles a new strain of coronavirus, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said another new strain of COVID-19 has been detected which has originated from South Africa. Watch: "Anyone who has been in South Africa during the last fortnight or anyone who was in close contact with anyone in South Africa must be quarantined immediately," Hancock said, adding, "all travellers from South Africa in the past two weeks must isolate immediately due to the new variant which has been identified." "The development is “highly concerning” because the new variant is more transmissible and appears to have mutated further," he added. Hancock said South Africa has been placed in immediate travel restriction with two cases detected in the country. As the virus continues to surge in the country, the health secretary informed that there has been a significant number of new variant cases rising in East Anglia. Hancock announced that Essex, Norfolk, Sussex, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Hampshire will enter Tier 4 restrictions from Boxing Day while Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon, Isle of Wight, New Forest, Northamptonshire, Cheshire and Warrington enter Tier 3 restrictions. "Cornwall and Herefordshire will go into Tier 2 from Boxing Day," he said. British PM Johnson last Saturday had said a new strain of the virus was discovered which was "70 per cent" more transferable while announcing Tier 4 lockdown measures across England. The British PM's revelation had lead several countries to impose travel restrictions on UK which is expected to continue in the New Year.

New COVID-19 strain from South Africa detected in UK: Health secretary Matt Hancock