The Health Secretary described the current situation as "a race between the vaccination program and the virus", with the new variant having "given the virus some extra legs in that race".

Matt Hancock's big statement over India's COVID variant

As the country reopens, the UK government has now come out to fight the criticism against the administration’s handling of the deadly variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, B1.617.2, which was first found in India.

Many alleged that the government was too slow to impose travel restrictions towards India which led to an increase in cases in the UK.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock broke his silence on these accusations and said it was “completely wrong” to suggest that the government could have acted faster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-india-reports-311000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-385393">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-india-reports-311000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-385393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Under the travel restrictions on India, the South Asian country was put under “red list” due to which any traveller entering the UK had to go through compulsory hotel quarantine.

Hancock, however, explained that India was subjected to travel restrictions back in April when the variant was still under investigation.

He also blasted the opposition party’s accusations of putting India and Bangladesh on red list before India. The opposition leaders believe India was not out on the red list as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wanted to complete his visit to India first.

However, Hancock has dismissed these claims and said “we take these decisions based on the evidence”.

His defense has come as the country is slowly returning back to normalcy, with people now allowed to dine outdoors, indoors and even hug each other.

As the country reopens, the UK government has now come out to fight the criticism against the administration’s handling of the deadly variant of coronavirus, B1.

As the country reopens, the UK government has now come out to fight the criticism against the administration’s handling of the deadly variant of coronavirus, B1.617.2, which was first found in India. Many alleged that the government was too slow to impose travel restrictions towards India which led to an increase in cases in the UK. Health Secretary Matt Hancock broke his silence on these accusations and said it was “completely wrong” to suggest that the government could have acted faster. Watch | Under the travel restrictions on India, the South Asian country was put under “red list” due to which any traveller entering the UK had to go through compulsory hotel quarantine. Hancock, however, explained that India was subjected to travel restrictions back in April when the variant was still under investigation. He also blasted the opposition party’s accusations of putting India and Bangladesh on red list before India. The opposition leaders believe India was not out on the red list as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wanted to complete his visit to India first. However, Hancock has dismissed these claims and said “we take these decisions based on the evidence”. His defense has come as the country is slowly returning back to normalcy, with people now allowed to dine outdoors, indoors and even hug each other.

Matt Hancock defends UK government's handling of covid variant

According to a study carried out by Public Health England, single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine can reduce household transmission of the virus by up to half. After this British Health Secretary Matt Hancock has urged everybody to get their vaccines as soon as they are eligible.

Study: One dose of vaccine against COVID-19 halves transmission risk

Everyone aged 44 and above in Britain will now be able to book their COVID-19 jab starting on Monday as the UK's National Health Service (NHS) vaccine programme expands further to more younger age groups.

Around half a million 44-year-olds will receive a text message inviting them to get their jab through the National Booking Service, with England's top doctor urging people to come forward for their jab when they are invited.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-sends-vital-medical-equipment-to-india-to-help-fight-covid-19-surge-380332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The move to the next age cohort in the vaccination programme comes alongside the latest NHS figures showing that more than two-thirds of people aged 45 to 49 have now been vaccinated as the programme moves through age and risk-based cohorts.

"Now that 95 per cent of all over 50s have had their first jab, and more than two-thirds of those aged 45-49, we are opening up vaccinations to 44-year olds,''&nbsp;said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

''The biggest vaccination programme in NHS history has delivered 45.5 million doses so far across the UK, and we are on track to offer a jab to all adults by the end of July. I encourage everyone who is 44 to book an appointment to get the jab,&nbsp;it will protect you and your loved ones, and help put this pandemic behind us,''&nbsp;he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finally-reports-the-lowest-daily-covid-19-cases-since-september-336-million-vaccinated-so-far-380506" hreflang="en">UK finally reports the lowest daily Covid-19 cases since September; 33.6 million vaccinated so far</a>

The NHS said the decision to move to the next group of people aged between 40 and 43 will be set out in the coming days with the NHS vaccinating in line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice and as supply allows.

"Thanks to NHS staff, people aged 45-49 have been hot on the heels of millions of people most at risk who were quick to take up the offer of a vaccine with more than two-thirds getting their lifesaving jab, marking another medically important milestone in the biggest vaccination campaign in NHS history,''&nbsp;said Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England Chief Executive.

?When the time comes, and you get that text, book an appointment to get your vaccine ''&nbsp;it is the best protection you and your loved ones will receive from this deadly virus,''&nbsp;he said.

Since the UK's vaccination rollout began in December 2020, more than 28 million people have been vaccinated with a first dose in England, 63.8 per cent of the total population of adults aged over 18.

NHS staff have also carried out more than 10 million second doses and has been reminding people to attend their second dose to ensure they receive maximum protection.

NHS Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: ''It is testament to the hard work of NHS staff that we are now able to vaccinate people in the next age group.''

''If you are aged 44, when you are invited to do so, please do book your jab as appointments become available,&nbsp;it is simple, effective and provides vital protection against the coronavirus.''

The NHS currently vaccinates against COVID-19 using three approved vaccines, Pfizer/BionTech, Moderna, and Oxford/AstraZeneca. People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

Text invitations appear as an alert from 'NHSvaccine', including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

Vaccinations are now being administered at more than 1,600 sites across the country, including churches, mosques, temples, museums and rugby grounds, to ensure the vast majority of people live within 10 miles of at least one vaccination service.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Everyone aged 44 and above in Britain will now be able to book their COVID-19 jab starting on Monday as the UK's National Health Service (NHS) vaccine programme expands further to more younger age groups.

Everyone aged 44 and above in Britain will now be able to book their COVID-19 jab starting on Monday as the UK's National Health Service (NHS) vaccine programme expands further to more younger age groups. Around half a million 44-year-olds will receive a text message inviting them to get their jab through the National Booking Service, with England's top doctor urging people to come forward for their jab when they are invited. The move to the next age cohort in the vaccination programme comes alongside the latest NHS figures showing that more than two-thirds of people aged 45 to 49 have now been vaccinated as the programme moves through age and risk-based cohorts. "Now that 95 per cent of all over 50s have had their first jab, and more than two-thirds of those aged 45-49, we are opening up vaccinations to 44-year olds,'' said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock. ''The biggest vaccination programme in NHS history has delivered 45.5 million doses so far across the UK, and we are on track to offer a jab to all adults by the end of July. I encourage everyone who is 44 to book an appointment to get the jab, it will protect you and your loved ones, and help put this pandemic behind us,'' he said. Also read| UK finally reports the lowest daily Covid-19 cases since September; 33.6 million vaccinated so far The NHS said the decision to move to the next group of people aged between 40 and 43 will be set out in the coming days with the NHS vaccinating in line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice and as supply allows. "Thanks to NHS staff, people aged 45-49 have been hot on the heels of millions of people most at risk who were quick to take up the offer of a vaccine with more than two-thirds getting their lifesaving jab, marking another medically important milestone in the biggest vaccination campaign in NHS history,'' said Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England Chief Executive. ?When the time comes, and you get that text, book an appointment to get your vaccine '' it is the best protection you and your loved ones will receive from this deadly virus,'' he said. Since the UK's vaccination rollout began in December 2020, more than 28 million people have been vaccinated with a first dose in England, 63.8 per cent of the total population of adults aged over 18. NHS staff have also carried out more than 10 million second doses and has been reminding people to attend their second dose to ensure they receive maximum protection. NHS Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: ''It is testament to the hard work of NHS staff that we are now able to vaccinate people in the next age group.'' ''If you are aged 44, when you are invited to do so, please do book your jab as appointments become available, it is simple, effective and provides vital protection against the coronavirus.'' The NHS currently vaccinates against COVID-19 using three approved vaccines, Pfizer/BionTech, Moderna, and Oxford/AstraZeneca. People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab. Text invitations appear as an alert from 'NHSvaccine', including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment. Vaccinations are now being administered at more than 1,600 sites across the country, including churches, mosques, temples, museums and rugby grounds, to ensure the vast majority of people live within 10 miles of at least one vaccination service. (With inputs from agencies)

UK extends COVID-19 vaccination drive to everyone aged 44 years and above

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday.

The move by Britain comes after it detected more than 100 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, Health Minister Matt Hancock said on Monday.

"We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the&nbsp;UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock had told parliament.

Heathrow Airport's refusal to allow extra flights from India was reported earlier by the BBC, with the airport adding that it turned down the requests from airlines because of concerns about queues at passport control.

The airport also told Reuters it did not want to exacerbate existing pressures at the border by allowing more passengers to fly in.

India now faces a coronavirus "storm" overwhelming its health system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national address on Tuesday, with the world's second-most populous nation reporting 295,041 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the biggest daily rise reported in any country - stretching its hospitals to breaking point.

India's 2,023 deaths in one day were also its highest in the pandemic.

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday.

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday. The move by Britain comes after it detected more than 100 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, Health Minister Matt Hancock said on Monday. "We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock had told parliament. Heathrow Airport's refusal to allow extra flights from India was reported earlier by the BBC, with the airport adding that it turned down the requests from airlines because of concerns about queues at passport control. The airport also told Reuters it did not want to exacerbate existing pressures at the border by allowing more passengers to fly in. India now faces a coronavirus "storm" overwhelming its health system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national address on Tuesday, with the world's second-most populous nation reporting 295,041 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the biggest daily rise reported in any country - stretching its hospitals to breaking point. India's 2,023 deaths in one day were also its highest in the pandemic.

Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on&nbsp;India&nbsp;after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi.

"We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock told parliament.

"UK&nbsp;and Irish residents and British citizens who've been in India in the past 10 days before their arrival will need to complete hotel quarantine for 10 days from the time of arrival."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-pm-boris-johnson-cancels-visit-to-india-over-covid-surge-for-the-second-time-378586" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson cancels delayed visit to India over rising COVID cases</a>

The move was taken as a precaution while the variant first identified in India was assessed. Asked whether vaccines being rolled out in Britain worked against the variant, Hancock said he could not give that assurance but was looking to establish an answer as soon as possible.

"The core of my concern about the variant first found in India is that the vaccines may be less effective in terms of transmission and/or in terms of reducing hospitalisation and death," he said.

"It is the same concern that we have with the variant first found in South Africa, and is the core reason why we took the decision today."

Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant&nbsp;Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).

In the event, the UK and Indian governments earlier Monday called off Johnson's visit, which was set for next week after already being postponed in January.

It would have been Johnson's first major foreign visit since he took office in 2019.

"In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to&nbsp;India&nbsp;next week," the two governments said in a joint statement.

They said that Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would instead speak later this month "to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and&nbsp;India.&nbsp;

"They will remain in regular contact beyond this, and look forward to meeting in person later this year."

Cricket impact

Monday's announcement could also have a knock-on effect upon England's upcoming home international cricket schedule.

Several leading England and New Zealand cricketers currently taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League tournament are expected to fly in for the two-match Test series that starts at London's Lord's ground on June 2.

Indian players could be affected too, with Virat Kohli's men set to face New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton later that month.&nbsp;

But the Rose Bowl ground at Southampton, the headquarters of county side Hampshire, boasts an on-site hotel and it was one of the venues, along with Manchester's Old Trafford, that has a similar set-up, which pioneered international cricket's return from coronavirus-enforced suspension last year.

A spokesperson for the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, said: "The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK."

The&nbsp;India&nbsp;women's team is also due to arrive for a multi-format series against England starting on June 16.&nbsp;

Johnson's office had last week announced the visit would be shortened. It was originally organised to span three days and set to begin on April 26.

It had initially been heralded as an opportunity for Britain to refocus its international trade policy in the wake of Brexit as it pursues a so-called "global Britain" strategy.

But spiking coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Britain earlier this year led to its delay.&nbsp;

Now, surging infections in&nbsp;India,&nbsp;where officials have recorded five consecutive days of more than 200,000 cases, have led to its cancellation altogether.

A total of 103 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in Britain, Hancock said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on India after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi.

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on India after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi. "We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock told parliament. "UK and Irish residents and British citizens who've been in India in the past 10 days before their arrival will need to complete hotel quarantine for 10 days from the time of arrival." Also read| UK PM Boris Johnson cancels delayed visit to India over rising COVID cases The move was taken as a precaution while the variant first identified in India was assessed. Asked whether vaccines being rolled out in Britain worked against the variant, Hancock said he could not give that assurance but was looking to establish an answer as soon as possible. "The core of my concern about the variant first found in India is that the vaccines may be less effective in terms of transmission and/or in terms of reducing hospitalisation and death," he said. "It is the same concern that we have with the variant first found in South Africa, and is the core reason why we took the decision today." Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI). In the event, the UK and Indian governments earlier Monday called off Johnson's visit, which was set for next week after already being postponed in January. It would have been Johnson's first major foreign visit since he took office in 2019. "In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," the two governments said in a joint statement. They said that Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would instead speak later this month "to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India. "They will remain in regular contact beyond this, and look forward to meeting in person later this year." Cricket impact Monday's announcement could also have a knock-on effect upon England's upcoming home international cricket schedule. Several leading England and New Zealand cricketers currently taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League tournament are expected to fly in for the two-match Test series that starts at London's Lord's ground on June 2. Indian players could be affected too, with Virat Kohli's men set to face New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton later that month. But the Rose Bowl ground at Southampton, the headquarters of county side Hampshire, boasts an on-site hotel and it was one of the venues, along with Manchester's Old Trafford, that has a similar set-up, which pioneered international cricket's return from coronavirus-enforced suspension last year. A spokesperson for the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, said: "The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK." The India women's team is also due to arrive for a multi-format series against England starting on June 16. Johnson's office had last week announced the visit would be shortened. It was originally organised to span three days and set to begin on April 26. It had initially been heralded as an opportunity for Britain to refocus its international trade policy in the wake of Brexit as it pursues a so-called "global Britain" strategy. But spiking coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Britain earlier this year led to its delay. Now, surging infections in India, where officials have recorded five consecutive days of more than 200,000 cases, have led to its cancellation altogether. A total of 103 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in Britain, Hancock said. (With inputs from agencies)

UK adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' after Boris Johnson cancels tour

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad.

In a shocking announcement, the health minister of the UK, Matt Hancock, has said that anyone who travels from England will be subjected to a fine of £5,000 ($6,900). The fine will stay in place till the end of June, as the country officials are tightening the country’s border controls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjABegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mEgWROqNVTHyxyh7GvLCs" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543" target="_blank">Banksy painting to raise millions for UK health service</a>

“The earliest date by which we will allow for international travel...is the 17th May. That has not changed,” Hancock told a local news channel, Sky News.

While the decision sent waves of shock across the nation, the question of whether or not people can travel across the country borders for work still remains unanswered. The question of whether people can travel for specific reasons will be answered by the government in a report due on April 12.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05cei9EINKvMDvDocK4w51" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05cei9EINKvMDvDocK4w51" target="_blank">UK records lowest daily coronavirus death toll since September</a>

Following this news, the shares of easyJet , British Airway-owner, Jet2 and TUI&nbsp;went down between 3 to 4 per cent in early trade on Tuesday.

As of now, all vacations and summer holidays are banned in the UK due to the increasing coronavirus cases. Hancock has claimed that the government is yet to decide on whether or not the government will allow people to step outside for a summer holiday.

“The reason for that is that we are seeing this third wave rising in some parts of Europe and we're also seeing new variants and it is very important that we protect the progress that we've been able to make here in the UK,” &nbsp;he said.

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad.

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad. In a shocking announcement, the health minister of the UK, Matt Hancock, has said that anyone who travels from England will be subjected to a fine of £5,000 ($6,900). The fine will stay in place till the end of June, as the country officials are tightening the country’s border controls. Also read | Banksy painting to raise millions for UK health service “The earliest date by which we will allow for international travel...is the 17th May. That has not changed,” Hancock told a local news channel, Sky News. While the decision sent waves of shock across the nation, the question of whether or not people can travel across the country borders for work still remains unanswered. The question of whether people can travel for specific reasons will be answered by the government in a report due on April 12. Also read | UK records lowest daily coronavirus death toll since September Following this news, the shares of easyJet , British Airway-owner, Jet2 and TUI went down between 3 to 4 per cent in early trade on Tuesday. As of now, all vacations and summer holidays are banned in the UK due to the increasing coronavirus cases. Hancock has claimed that the government is yet to decide on whether or not the government will allow people to step outside for a summer holiday. “The reason for that is that we are seeing this third wave rising in some parts of Europe and we're also seeing new variants and it is very important that we protect the progress that we've been able to make here in the UK,” he said.

UK to impose £5,000 fine on locals travelling abroad amid surge in coronavirus

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday said that he is planning a cautious but irreversible path out of the COVID-19 lockdown this week after the vaccination of 15 million vulnerable people.

Britain, with more than 117,000 deaths from Covid-19, is one of the worst-hit countries in the world by the pandemic.&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has come under criticism for acting too quickly to relax measures and too slowly to re-impose them in recent months.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-hits-an-early-target-for-vaccine-363788/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Speaking at a health clinic in southeast London,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said the government needed to be "very prudent" as it reviewed a third stay-at-home order in England that has shut down schools, non-essential businesses and hospitality venues since early January.

"If because of the rate of infection, we have to push off something a little bit to the right - delay it for a little bit - we won't hesitate to do that."

Johnson, due to set the path out of lockdown on February&nbsp;22, said the rates of infection were still high and too many people were still dying.

Asked if he would ensure schools reopened on March 8, Johnson said he would do everything he could to ensure that.

If many people get infected, there would be a high risk of mutation in the virus and higher risk of it spreading to older and more vulnerable groups, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-milestone-uk-hits-target-to-vaccinate-15-million-most-at-risk-from-coronavirus-363615" hreflang="en">'Significant milestone': UK hits target to vaccinate 15 million most at risk from coronavirus</a>

Johnson called Britain hitting a target of inoculating 15 million of the most vulnerable people with a first coronavirus jab "a significant milestone", as the country prepared for the next phase of its vaccination programme.

However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there is "some way to go" before lockdown can be eased, stressing the government was awaiting key data on how successfully the vaccines reduce transmission.

The biggest and swiftest global vaccine rollout in history is seen as the best chance of exiting the COVID-19 pandemic which has killed 2.4 million people, tipped the global economy into its worst peacetime slump since the Great Depression, and upended normal life for billions.

Vaccine passports?

Britain has vaccinated 15.062 million people with a first dose and 537,715 with a second dose, the fastest rollout per capita of any large country. Hancock said he expected vaccine supplies to increase as manufacturing accelerated.

An influential group of lawmakers in Johnson's Conservative Party is urging an end to the lockdown as soon as the most vulnerable nine groups are vaccinated. They want no more rules beyond May 1.

"We're all filled with sorrow for the people we've lost, the harms that we've suffered but we don't honour those we've loved and lost by wrecking the rest of our lives," lawmaker Steve Baker said. "We've got to find a way to rebuild our society and our economy and our prospects, our livelihoods."

Britain is speaking to other countries about giving its citizens certificates showing they have been vaccinated so that they can travel abroad in the future to countries that require them, Johnson said.

"That's going to be very much in the mix, down the road I think that is going to happen," Johnson said, referring to such certificates. "What I don't think we will have in this country is, as it were, vaccination passports to allow you to go to the pub, or something like that."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday said that he is planning a cautious but irreversible path out of the COVID-19 lockdown this week after the vaccination of 15 million vulnerable people.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday said that he is planning a cautious but irreversible path out of the COVID-19 lockdown this week after the vaccination of 15 million vulnerable people. Britain, with more than 117,000 deaths from Covid-19, is one of the worst-hit countries in the world by the pandemic. Johnson has come under criticism for acting too quickly to relax measures and too slowly to re-impose them in recent months. Speaking at a health clinic in southeast London, Johnson said the government needed to be "very prudent" as it reviewed a third stay-at-home order in England that has shut down schools, non-essential businesses and hospitality venues since early January. "If because of the rate of infection, we have to push off something a little bit to the right - delay it for a little bit - we won't hesitate to do that." Johnson, due to set the path out of lockdown on February 22, said the rates of infection were still high and too many people were still dying. Asked if he would ensure schools reopened on March 8, Johnson said he would do everything he could to ensure that. If many people get infected, there would be a high risk of mutation in the virus and higher risk of it spreading to older and more vulnerable groups, he said. Also read: 'Significant milestone': UK hits target to vaccinate 15 million most at risk from coronavirus Johnson called Britain hitting a target of inoculating 15 million of the most vulnerable people with a first coronavirus jab "a significant milestone", as the country prepared for the next phase of its vaccination programme. However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there is "some way to go" before lockdown can be eased, stressing the government was awaiting key data on how successfully the vaccines reduce transmission. The biggest and swiftest global vaccine rollout in history is seen as the best chance of exiting the COVID-19 pandemic which has killed 2.4 million people, tipped the global economy into its worst peacetime slump since the Great Depression, and upended normal life for billions. Vaccine passports? Britain has vaccinated 15.062 million people with a first dose and 537,715 with a second dose, the fastest rollout per capita of any large country. Hancock said he expected vaccine supplies to increase as manufacturing accelerated. An influential group of lawmakers in Johnson's Conservative Party is urging an end to the lockdown as soon as the most vulnerable nine groups are vaccinated. They want no more rules beyond May 1. "We're all filled with sorrow for the people we've lost, the harms that we've suffered but we don't honour those we've loved and lost by wrecking the rest of our lives," lawmaker Steve Baker said. "We've got to find a way to rebuild our society and our economy and our prospects, our livelihoods." Britain is speaking to other countries about giving its citizens certificates showing they have been vaccinated so that they can travel abroad in the future to countries that require them, Johnson said. "That's going to be very much in the mix, down the road I think that is going to happen," Johnson said, referring to such certificates. "What I don't think we will have in this country is, as it were, vaccination passports to allow you to go to the pub, or something like that."

UK PM Boris Johnson planning cautious path out of COVID-19 lockdown

The UK&nbsp;Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has gone into self-isolation following an alert of contact tracing through the NHS'&nbsp;coronavirus contact tracing app, he said in a video message on Tuesday.

"Last night I was pinged by the NHS Coronavirus App, so that means I will be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday," he said in a video message posted on Twitter.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-in-race-against-time-to-roll-out-coronavirus-vaccine-says-boris-johnson-356164">&nbsp;UK in 'race against time' to roll out coronavirus vaccine, says Boris Johnson</a>

Hancock will be self-isolating himself for at least six days, as per the rules and guidelines set by the health experts. Throughout this period of time, he will be performing all his official duties from his residence.

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Last night I was alerted by the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHSCOVID19app?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHSCOVID19app</a> to self isolate so I’ll be staying at home &amp; not leaving at all until Sunday. 
 
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He has gone into self-isolation as he was notified that he has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.

"This self-isolation is perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing, because I know from the app that I have been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive, and this is how we break the chains of transmission," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vaccinating-200000-people-against-covid-19-everyday-claims-health-minister-355796">UK vaccinating 200,000 people against COVID-19 everyday, claims health minister</a>

He also urged people to keep following the rules set by the government and the health experts to make sure the surge in coronavirus cases in the country dies down as soon as possible.&nbsp;

"So you must follow these rules, like I am going to. I have got to work from home for the next six days, and together, by doing this, by following this, and all other panoply of rules that we have had to out in place, we can get through this and beat this virus," Hancock said.

The UK has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in the past few months, especially with identification of the new strains of the deadly virus — first found in the UK.

The UK Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has gone into self-isolation following an alert of contact tracing through the NHS' coronavirus contact tracing app, he said in a video message on Tuesday.

The UK Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has gone into self-isolation following an alert of contact tracing through the NHS' coronavirus contact tracing app, he said in a video message on Tuesday. "Last night I was pinged by the NHS Coronavirus App, so that means I will be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday," he said in a video message posted on Twitter. Also read| UK in 'race against time' to roll out coronavirus vaccine, says Boris Johnson Hancock will be self-isolating himself for at least six days, as per the rules and guidelines set by the health experts. Throughout this period of time, he will be performing all his official duties from his residence. Last night I was alerted by the @NHSCOVID19app to self isolate so I’ll be staying at home & not leaving at all until Sunday. We all have a part to play in getting this virus under control. pic.twitter.com/MaN1EI7UyY — Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) January 19, 2021 × He has gone into self-isolation as he was notified that he has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. "This self-isolation is perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing, because I know from the app that I have been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive, and this is how we break the chains of transmission," he said. Also read| UK vaccinating 200,000 people against COVID-19 everyday, claims health minister He also urged people to keep following the rules set by the government and the health experts to make sure the surge in coronavirus cases in the country dies down as soon as possible. "So you must follow these rules, like I am going to. I have got to work from home for the next six days, and together, by doing this, by following this, and all other panoply of rules that we have had to out in place, we can get through this and beat this virus," Hancock said. The UK has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in the past few months, especially with identification of the new strains of the deadly virus — first found in the UK.

UK's health secretary Matt Hancock self-isolates after fears of coronavirus

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Monday that the new&nbsp;variant of coronavirus in South Africa is ''more of a problem'' than the mutation found in the UK.

Both Britain and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;have discovered new, more infectious variants in the coronavirus in recent weeks that have driven a surge in cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-mutant-found-in-south-africa-spreads-more-swiftly-351972">New Covid-19 mutant found in South Africa spreads more swiftly</a>

“I’m incredibly worried about the South African variant, and that’s why we took the action that we did to restrict all flights from South Africa,”&nbsp;Hancock said in an interview with the local media.

“This is a very, very significant problem ... and it’s even more of a problem than the UK&nbsp;new variant.”

The new strain, called the 501.V2 Variant, was first discovered in South African province Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape

Scientists are not fully confident that COVID-19 vaccines will work on a new variant of the coronavirus found in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa. They fear that it is more contagious than other versions of the virus.

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Scientists including BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin and John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford, have said they are testing the vaccines on the new variants and say they could make any required tweaks in around six weeks.

Public Health England said there was currently no evidence to suggest that vaccines will not be effective against the new strain. The health ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.

The world's richest countries have started vaccinating their populations to safeguard against a virus that has killed 1.8 million people and crushed the global economy.

There are currently 60 vaccine candidates in trials, including those that are already being rolled out from AstraZeneca and Oxford, Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Sinopharm.

That has helped to lift global financial markets, but the discovery of the new variants has raised a fresh alarm.

Scientists say the new&nbsp;South&nbsp;African variant has multiple mutations in the important "spike" protein that the virus uses to infect human cells.

It has also been associated with a higher viral load, meaning a higher concentration of virus particles in patients' bodies, possibly contributing to higher levels of transmission.

Oxford's Bell, who advises the government's vaccine task force, said on Sunday he thought vaccines would work on the British variant but said there was a "big question mark" as to whether they would work on the&nbsp;South&nbsp;African variant.

He told Times Radio that the shots could be adapted and "it might take a month or six weeks to get a new vaccine".

BioNTech's Sahin told Spiegel in an interview published on Friday that their vaccine, which uses messenger RNA to instruct the human immune system to fight the coronavirus, should be able to cope with the variant first detected in Britain.

"We are testing whether our vaccine can also neutralise this variant and will soon know more," he said.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Monday that the new variant of coronavirus in South Africa is ''more of a problem'' than the mutation found in the UK.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Monday that the new variant of coronavirus in South Africa is ''more of a problem'' than the mutation found in the UK. Both Britain and South Africa have discovered new, more infectious variants in the coronavirus in recent weeks that have driven a surge in cases. Also read: New Covid-19 mutant found in South Africa spreads more swiftly “I’m incredibly worried about the South African variant, and that’s why we took the action that we did to restrict all flights from South Africa,” Hancock said in an interview with the local media. “This is a very, very significant problem ... and it’s even more of a problem than the UK new variant.” The new strain, called the 501.V2 Variant, was first discovered in South African province Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Scientists are not fully confident that COVID-19 vaccines will work on a new variant of the coronavirus found in South Africa. They fear that it is more contagious than other versions of the virus. Scientists including BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin and John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford, have said they are testing the vaccines on the new variants and say they could make any required tweaks in around six weeks. Public Health England said there was currently no evidence to suggest that vaccines will not be effective against the new strain. The health ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report. The world's richest countries have started vaccinating their populations to safeguard against a virus that has killed 1.8 million people and crushed the global economy. There are currently 60 vaccine candidates in trials, including those that are already being rolled out from AstraZeneca and Oxford, Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Sinopharm. That has helped to lift global financial markets, but the discovery of the new variants has raised a fresh alarm. Scientists say the new South African variant has multiple mutations in the important "spike" protein that the virus uses to infect human cells. It has also been associated with a higher viral load, meaning a higher concentration of virus particles in patients' bodies, possibly contributing to higher levels of transmission. Oxford's Bell, who advises the government's vaccine task force, said on Sunday he thought vaccines would work on the British variant but said there was a "big question mark" as to whether they would work on the South African variant. He told Times Radio that the shots could be adapted and "it might take a month or six weeks to get a new vaccine". BioNTech's Sahin told Spiegel in an interview published on Friday that their vaccine, which uses messenger RNA to instruct the human immune system to fight the coronavirus, should be able to cope with the variant first detected in Britain. "We are testing whether our vaccine can also neutralise this variant and will soon know more," he said.

South Africa coronavirus variant 'more of a problem' than the one in UK, says official

UK health secretary Matt Hancock said today that most of the country will now enter tier 3 and 4 lockdown amid the rising number of the new strain of coronavirus cases.

Watch:

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The guidelines under tier 4 include "stay-at-home" order and the closure of "non-essential" services. The tier 4 measures will now be put in place in remaining part of UK's south-east region including in Midlands, north-east and south-west England.

The minister said tier 3 restrictions will be extended in north Yorkshire and Liverpool. Most of England will now be placed under tier 4 restrictions from midnight tonight, Hancock informed.

The tier 4 measures will also be implemented in Leicester City, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire, Birmingham and Black Country including Coventry and Solihull.

The tier 4 restrictions will also be put in place in Warwickshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Gloucestershire, Bournemouth, Isle of Wight and Tees Valley&nbsp;

"There were over 53,000 coronavirus cases registered yesterday and unfortunately most of it was the new variant," Hancock said while emphasising that there was "threat to life" and pressure on England's health services.

However, the minister said more people can now get vaccinated as AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine will now be available from Monday with 535 million doses available.

A report on Tuesday had said that 24 million people which is nearly 43 per cent of the population in England is already under strict "stay-at-home" lockdown.

The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in Europe with over 2.3 million virus cases and over 71, 670 fatalities.

UK health secretary Matt Hancock said today that most of the country will now enter tier 3 and 4 lockdown amid the rising number of the new strain of coronavirus cases.

UK health secretary Matt Hancock said today that most of the country will now enter tier 3 and 4 lockdown amid the rising number of the new strain of coronavirus cases. Watch: The guidelines under tier 4 include "stay-at-home" order and the closure of "non-essential" services. The tier 4 measures will now be put in place in remaining part of UK's south-east region including in Midlands, north-east and south-west England. The minister said tier 3 restrictions will be extended in north Yorkshire and Liverpool. Most of England will now be placed under tier 4 restrictions from midnight tonight, Hancock informed. The tier 4 measures will also be implemented in Leicester City, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire, Birmingham and Black Country including Coventry and Solihull. The tier 4 restrictions will also be put in place in Warwickshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Gloucestershire, Bournemouth, Isle of Wight and Tees Valley "There were over 53,000 coronavirus cases registered yesterday and unfortunately most of it was the new variant," Hancock said while emphasising that there was "threat to life" and pressure on England's health services. However, the minister said more people can now get vaccinated as AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine will now be available from Monday with 535 million doses available. A report on Tuesday had said that 24 million people which is nearly 43 per cent of the population in England is already under strict "stay-at-home" lockdown. The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in Europe with over 2.3 million virus cases and over 71, 670 fatalities.

Most of England enters tier 3 & tier 4 lockdown amid surging coronavirus strain

U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that another strain of Coronavirus has detected in the U.K. which has been originated from South Africa.

Today Tonight: New COVID-19 strain from South Africa detected in U.K.

Watch in this video, Matt Hancock, Health Secretary of the United Kingdom speaks on the new Coronavirus strain, and on travel bans.

U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaks on new virus strain

Amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, seven passengers (5 in New Delhi and 2 in Kolkata)&nbsp;of two UK to India flights have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday. 
 
"Five out of 266 passengers and crew members of a flight which arrived at Delhi airport from London last night have tested positive for COVID-19. Their samples have been sent to NCDC for research and they have been sent to the care centre," said a Nodal officer for COVID-19. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-flights-from-uk-over-new-covid-19-variant-spread-351346">Also read | India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread</a> 
 
"Two passengers from the UK were Found positive for COVID-19 after they arrived at the Kolkata airport here," health department officials said.

A flight carrying 222 passengers from the UK arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport on Sunday night, they said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-finds-patient-with-new-coronavirus-strain-which-uk-said-is-out-of-control-351333">Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control'</a>

"Twenty-five passengers did not have COVID reports with them. So they were taken to a nearby quarantine centre, and their coronavirus tests were conducted. Two tested positive," the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department official said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194">Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary</a> 
 
According to COVID-19 protocols, all international passengers coming to India will have to remain in isolation for seven days.

Moreover, passengers coming from the UK through flights till Tuesday midnight would be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at airports "as a measure of abundant precaution", it added.

This comes as flight services from the UK to India have been suspended till December 31 over the spread of a new strain of coronavirus in London and England. 
 
However, India has not yet detected the new strain of coronavirus that has spread to some parts of the UK. Virology experts who have been performing genome sequencing have confirmed saying that they have not come across this particular strain as of now. 
 
Furthermore, scores of passengers arriving from the UK in Mumbai on Tuesday morning have been sent for institutional quarantine in the wake of the new virus strain. 
 
On December 20, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had informed the public that a new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been found in the UK.

"Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he had tweeted.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, seven passengers (5 in New Delhi and 2 in Kolkata) of two UK to India flights have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday.

Amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, seven passengers (5 in New Delhi and 2 in Kolkata) of two UK to India flights have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday. "Five out of 266 passengers and crew members of a flight which arrived at Delhi airport from London last night have tested positive for COVID-19. Their samples have been sent to NCDC for research and they have been sent to the care centre," said a Nodal officer for COVID-19. Also read | India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread "Two passengers from the UK were Found positive for COVID-19 after they arrived at the Kolkata airport here," health department officials said. A flight carrying 222 passengers from the UK arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport on Sunday night, they said. Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control' "Twenty-five passengers did not have COVID reports with them. So they were taken to a nearby quarantine centre, and their coronavirus tests were conducted. Two tested positive," the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department official said. Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary According to COVID-19 protocols, all international passengers coming to India will have to remain in isolation for seven days. Moreover, passengers coming from the UK through flights till Tuesday midnight would be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at airports "as a measure of abundant precaution", it added. This comes as flight services from the UK to India have been suspended till December 31 over the spread of a new strain of coronavirus in London and England. However, India has not yet detected the new strain of coronavirus that has spread to some parts of the UK. Virology experts who have been performing genome sequencing have confirmed saying that they have not come across this particular strain as of now. Furthermore, scores of passengers arriving from the UK in Mumbai on Tuesday morning have been sent for institutional quarantine in the wake of the new virus strain. On December 20, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had informed the public that a new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been found in the UK. "Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he had tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid new virus strain scare, 7 flyers from UK test Covid-19 positive at Delhi, Kolkata Airports

The Government of India has called an urgent meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group of Health Ministery on Monday to discuss the emergence of a mutated variant of the coronavirus in the UK, which has led to a surge in the infection rate there. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194">Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary</a>

A number of European countries have banned flights from the UK as the British government warned that the potent new strain of the virus was "out of control" and imposed a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown from Sunday. 
 
Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a>

"The Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) chaired by the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) will hold a meeting on Monday morning to discuss the issue of the mutated variant of the coronavirus reported from the UK. WHO's India representative Dr Roderico H Ofrin, who is also a member of the JMG, is likely to participate in the meeting," a source said. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032" hreflang="en">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a>

A surge in the infection rate caused by the new variant of the coronavirus has led to millions entering a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown in the UK from Sunday, with non-essential shops and businesses now closed.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses.

Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control".

Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control."

While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this.

"It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months."

Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations.

Johnson also reported that the new variant is 70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India has called an urgent meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group of Health Ministery on Monday to discuss the emergence of a mutated variant of the coronavirus in the UK, which has led to a surge in the infection rate there.

The Government of India has called an urgent meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group of Health Ministery on Monday to discuss the emergence of a mutated variant of the coronavirus in the UK, which has led to a surge in the infection rate there. Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary A number of European countries have banned flights from the UK as the British government warned that the potent new strain of the virus was "out of control" and imposed a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown from Sunday. Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant "The Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) chaired by the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) will hold a meeting on Monday morning to discuss the issue of the mutated variant of the coronavirus reported from the UK. WHO's India representative Dr Roderico H Ofrin, who is also a member of the JMG, is likely to participate in the meeting," a source said. Also read: A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly A surge in the infection rate caused by the new variant of the coronavirus has led to millions entering a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown in the UK from Sunday, with non-essential shops and businesses now closed. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses. Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control". Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control." While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this. "It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months." Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations. Johnson also reported that the new variant is 70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian health ministry calls urgent meet after new mutant coronavirus spreads rapidly in UK

Government of India on Monday announced that it will temporarily ban flights from the UK to the country after the emergence of a new and highly infectious strain of the coronavirus in Britain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-finds-patient-with-new-coronavirus-strain-which-uk-said-is-out-of-control-351333">Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control'</a> 
 
"Considering the prevailing situation in the UK, Indian govt has decided that all flights originating from the UK to India shall be temporarily suspended till 11:59 pm, 31st December. This suspension to start w.e.f. 11.59 pm, 22nd December," the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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As a measure of abundant precaution, passengers arriving from UK in all transit flights (flights that have taken off or flights which are reaching India before 22nd Dec at 23.59 hrs) should be subject to mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival at the airports concerned.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1340956288688168961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On December 19, the British government had alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains.

The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”.&nbsp;

Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-suspends-all-flight-from-the-uk-as-concerns-grow-over-new-virus-strain-351363">WATCH|</a>

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Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans.

WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India on Monday announced that it will temporarily ban flights from the UK to the country after the emergence of a new and highly infectious strain of the coronavirus in Britain.

Government of India on Monday announced that it will temporarily ban flights from the UK to the country after the emergence of a new and highly infectious strain of the coronavirus in Britain. Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control' "Considering the prevailing situation in the UK, Indian govt has decided that all flights originating from the UK to India shall be temporarily suspended till 11:59 pm, 31st December. This suspension to start w.e.f. 11.59 pm, 22nd December," the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted. As a measure of abundant precaution, passengers arriving from UK in all transit flights (flights that have taken off or flights which are reaching India before 22nd Dec at 23.59 hrs) should be subject to mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival at the airports concerned. — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 21, 2020 × On December 19, the British government had alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains. The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”. Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant. WATCH| × Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans. WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread

A coronavirus patient in Italy found with the same new strain of the deadly virus which the UK said is "out of control" and behind a severe surge in infections London and southeast England. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194">Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary</a>

The patient and his partner had been in the UK and returned on a flight at Rome's Fiumicino airport earlier this week, the Italian health ministry said. 
 
Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a>

"The patient and their partner returned from the United Kingdom several days ago, landing in Rome`s Fiumicino airport. They are now isolated and have observed, together with family and close contacts, all procedures proscribed by the health authorities," Sputnik quoted the ministry`s statement. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032" hreflang="en">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a>

According to the communication, the genome of the UK coronavirus strain has been established by experts of the Celio military hospital in Rome. The new strain of Covid-19 is "out of control", said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Sunday. 
&nbsp;

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"The only way you can do that is by restricting social contacts and essentially, especially in Tier 4 areas, everybody needs to behave as if they may well have the virus and that is the way that we can get it under control and keep people safe," he added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-what-we-know-about-the-uks-new-covid-strain-351327">Also read | Coronavirus: What we know about the UK's new Covid strain</a> 
 
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday announced new tier-4 Covid-19 restrictions in parts of England, including London, due to the rapid spread of a new variant of coronavirus, limiting the celebrations.

A growing number of countries on Sunday halted flights from the UK following the discovery of a new variant of Covid-19, which is said to spread faster than other versions of the virus.

According to CNN, Italy Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Malo on Sunday informed that the country will also suspend flights to and from the UK citing the new strain of the coronavirus, although he did not provide more details.

CNN reported that the Netherlands government is banning all passenger flights coming from the UK from Sunday morning until the New Year in order to minimise the risk of the new strain from spreading in the country as much as possible, according to a press release.

(With inputs from agencies)

A coronavirus patient in Italy found with the same new strain of the deadly virus which the UK said is "out of control" and behind a severe surge in infections London and southeast England.

A coronavirus patient in Italy found with the same new strain of the deadly virus which the UK said is "out of control" and behind a severe surge in infections London and southeast England. Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary The patient and his partner had been in the UK and returned on a flight at Rome's Fiumicino airport earlier this week, the Italian health ministry said. Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant "The patient and their partner returned from the United Kingdom several days ago, landing in Rome`s Fiumicino airport. They are now isolated and have observed, together with family and close contacts, all procedures proscribed by the health authorities," Sputnik quoted the ministry`s statement. Also read: A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly According to the communication, the genome of the UK coronavirus strain has been established by experts of the Celio military hospital in Rome. The new strain of Covid-19 is "out of control", said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Sunday. "The only way you can do that is by restricting social contacts and essentially, especially in Tier 4 areas, everybody needs to behave as if they may well have the virus and that is the way that we can get it under control and keep people safe," he added. Also read | Coronavirus: What we know about the UK's new Covid strain UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday announced new tier-4 Covid-19 restrictions in parts of England, including London, due to the rapid spread of a new variant of coronavirus, limiting the celebrations. A growing number of countries on Sunday halted flights from the UK following the discovery of a new variant of Covid-19, which is said to spread faster than other versions of the virus. According to CNN, Italy Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Malo on Sunday informed that the country will also suspend flights to and from the UK citing the new strain of the coronavirus, although he did not provide more details. CNN reported that the Netherlands government is banning all passenger flights coming from the UK from Sunday morning until the New Year in order to minimise the risk of the new strain from spreading in the country as much as possible, according to a press release. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control'

The British government on December 19 alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains.

The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”.&nbsp;

Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant.

However, "there's no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness," or that vaccines would be less effective against it, he said.

Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans.

The new strain first occurred in September in the South East London and by November, it accounted for 28 per cent of all new Covid infections in the capital, rising to 62 per cent by December 9.

According to the reports, it has also spread to at least three other countries. 
According to the WHO, apart from UK, nine cases of the new strain have been reported in Denmark, as well as one case in the Netherlands and another in Australia.

WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus.&nbsp;

In response to the surge, Boris Johnson announced a stay at home order for the British capital and southeast England, until at least December 30, to slow the spread of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government on December 19 alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains.

The British government on December 19 alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains. The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”. Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant. However, "there's no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness," or that vaccines would be less effective against it, he said. Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans. The new strain first occurred in September in the South East London and by November, it accounted for 28 per cent of all new Covid infections in the capital, rising to 62 per cent by December 9. According to the reports, it has also spread to at least three other countries. According to the WHO, apart from UK, nine cases of the new strain have been reported in Denmark, as well as one case in the Netherlands and another in Australia. WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus. In response to the surge, Boris Johnson announced a stay at home order for the British capital and southeast England, until at least December 30, to slow the spread of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: What we know about the UK's new Covid strain

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses.

Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a>

Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control."

While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this.

"It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032" hreflang="en">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a>

Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations.

Johnson also reported that the new variant is&nbsp;70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear.

Meanwhile, several European countries such as Belgium and Germany are imposing travel bans on all the incoming flights from the UK and South Africa to make sure the new variant does not get transmitted to their countries.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses. Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control". Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control." While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this. "It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months." Also read: A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations. Johnson also reported that the new variant is 70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear. Meanwhile, several European countries such as Belgium and Germany are imposing travel bans on all the incoming flights from the UK and South Africa to make sure the new variant does not get transmitted to their countries.

New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary

Britain announced Monday that it would loosen restrictions on blood donation by gay and bisexual men beginning next year, a shift in policy called “landmark” by the government and hailed by activists who have long fought rules they described as discriminatory.

The change will take effect next summer after the recommendations of a health committee that said a blanket ban on sexually active gay or bisexual men donating blood should be lifted. The government accepted these recommendations, saying that the changes would not affect the safety of the blood supply.

“This landmark change to blood donation is safe and it will allow many more people, who have previously been excluded by donor selection criteria, to take the opportunity to help save lives,” Britain’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, said in a statement Monday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-identified-in-uk-london-in-tier-3-lockdown-349785" hreflang="en">New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in Tier 3 lockdown</a>

The current rules stipulate that “all men must wait three months after having oral or anal sex with another man before donating.”

A statement released Monday by the National Health Service removes the three-month barrier and says that gay and bisexual men who have had the same sexual partner for more than three months will be allowed to donate if there is no known exposure to a sexually transmitted infection and they are not using drugs to stop the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Britain joins a growing list of countries — France, Italy and Spain — that have relaxed rules on blood donations for gay or bisexual men. The restrictions were largely introduced in the 1980s during the AIDS epidemic, when global authorities feared spreading HIV through the blood supply.

Since then, however, new HIV infections have become rarer in Western countries, and screening has vastly improved.

The United States and Australia still require men who have sex with other men to wait three months after having sex before donating blood. Both announced changes to their rules in April, after thousands of community blood drives were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, and global blood supplies plummeted.

Medical professionals, however, have said the changes did not go far enough, with a group of more than 500 U.S. doctors, researchers and public health specialists signing a letter calling on authorities to eliminate the constraints.

Britain announced Monday that it would loosen restrictions on blood donation by gay and bisexual men beginning next year, a shift in policy called “landmark” by the government and hailed by activists who have long fought rules they described as discriminatory.

Britain announced Monday that it would loosen restrictions on blood donation by gay and bisexual men beginning next year, a shift in policy called “landmark” by the government and hailed by activists who have long fought rules they described as discriminatory. The change will take effect next summer after the recommendations of a health committee that said a blanket ban on sexually active gay or bisexual men donating blood should be lifted. The government accepted these recommendations, saying that the changes would not affect the safety of the blood supply. “This landmark change to blood donation is safe and it will allow many more people, who have previously been excluded by donor selection criteria, to take the opportunity to help save lives,” Britain’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, said in a statement Monday. Also read| New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in Tier 3 lockdown The current rules stipulate that “all men must wait three months after having oral or anal sex with another man before donating.” A statement released Monday by the National Health Service removes the three-month barrier and says that gay and bisexual men who have had the same sexual partner for more than three months will be allowed to donate if there is no known exposure to a sexually transmitted infection and they are not using drugs to stop the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Britain joins a growing list of countries — France, Italy and Spain — that have relaxed rules on blood donations for gay or bisexual men. The restrictions were largely introduced in the 1980s during the AIDS epidemic, when global authorities feared spreading HIV through the blood supply. Since then, however, new HIV infections have become rarer in Western countries, and screening has vastly improved. The United States and Australia still require men who have sex with other men to wait three months after having sex before donating blood. Both announced changes to their rules in April, after thousands of community blood drives were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, and global blood supplies plummeted. Medical professionals, however, have said the changes did not go far enough, with a group of more than 500 U.S. doctors, researchers and public health specialists signing a letter calling on authorities to eliminate the constraints.

UK to ease rules on blood donations by gay and bisexual men

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-identified-in-uk-london-in-tier-3-lockdown-349785">Also read: New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown</a> 
 
"We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-triggering-rare-deadly-fungal-infection-claim-indian-hospitals-349845">Also read: Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals</a> 
&nbsp;

"Does this make this virus more serious? Does it allow the virus to transmit more easily? Does it in any way interfere with diagnostics? Would it in any way interfere with vaccine effectiveness? None of these questions have been addressed yet, and we have no information to suggest that any of that is the case," Ryan remarked.

Yesterday, the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

Hancock, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant.

"Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said.

The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation.

As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said.

In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease.

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease. Also read: New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown "We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing. Also read: Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals "Does this make this virus more serious? Does it allow the virus to transmit more easily? Does it in any way interfere with diagnostics? Would it in any way interfere with vaccine effectiveness? None of these questions have been addressed yet, and we have no information to suggest that any of that is the case," Ryan remarked. Yesterday, the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country. Hancock, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant. "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said. The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation. As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said. In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses. (With inputs from agencies)

No indication new Covid-19 variant in UK interferes with vaccine effectiveness: WHO

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant.

"Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-administers-first-coronavirus-vaccine-donald-trump-congratulates-americans-349779">US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans</a>

The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation.

As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pence-among-top-us-officials-to-be-offered-covid-19-vaccine-on-priority-report-349600" hreflang="en">Trump, Pence among top US officials to be offered COVID-19 vaccine on priority: Report</a>

The announcement was made Hancock in the House of Commons in presence of other MPs. Hancock also reported that majority cases have been identified in the South of England.

"We've currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the South of England although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority area," he said.

"We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out."

In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses.

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country. Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant. "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said. Also read| US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation. As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said. Also read: Trump, Pence among top US officials to be offered COVID-19 vaccine on priority: Report The announcement was made Hancock in the House of Commons in presence of other MPs. Hancock also reported that majority cases have been identified in the South of England. "We've currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the South of England although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority area," he said. "We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out." In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses.

New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown

Anti-racism protests in London and other cities have triggered fears across the UK as it risks causing an increase in coronavirus cases again, as per British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-situational-awareness-was-quite-poor-it-cost-many-lives-government-scientific-advisor-304038" hreflang="en">UK's situational awareness was quite poor, it cost many lives: Government scientific advisor</a>

During an interview with Sky News, Hancock said that it is "undoubtedly a risk".

He said: "I support very strongly the argument that is being made by those who are protesting ... but the virus itself doesn’t discriminate and gathering in large groups is temporarily against the rules precisely because it increases the risk of the spread of this virus."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-tells-italians-not-to-celebrate-victory-over-coronavirus-too-soon-304036" hreflang="en">Pope Francis tells Italians not to celebrate victory over coronavirus too soon</a>

According to the coronavirus guidelines set by the British government, a gathering of more than six people are not allowed.&nbsp;

John Edmund, one of the government's scientific advisors, said that the chances of virus spreading are lower outside and the current estimate is that around one in 1,000 people in the country is infectious.

"If you have a crowd of a few thousand people then you would expect some of those people to be infectious ... so it is a risk to have thousands of people congregating together," he told BBC TV.

London police chief Cressida Dick urged protestors to &nbsp;"find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London" due to the coronavirus fears.

Anti-racism protests in London and other cities have triggered fears across the UK as it risks causing an increase in coronavirus cases again, as per British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday.

Anti-racism protests in London and other cities have triggered fears across the UK as it risks causing an increase in coronavirus cases again, as per British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday. Also read: UK's situational awareness was quite poor, it cost many lives: Government scientific advisor During an interview with Sky News, Hancock said that it is "undoubtedly a risk". He said: "I support very strongly the argument that is being made by those who are protesting ... but the virus itself doesn’t discriminate and gathering in large groups is temporarily against the rules precisely because it increases the risk of the spread of this virus." Also read: Pope Francis tells Italians not to celebrate victory over coronavirus too soon According to the coronavirus guidelines set by the British government, a gathering of more than six people are not allowed. John Edmund, one of the government's scientific advisors, said that the chances of virus spreading are lower outside and the current estimate is that around one in 1,000 people in the country is infectious. "If you have a crowd of a few thousand people then you would expect some of those people to be infectious ... so it is a risk to have thousands of people congregating together," he told BBC TV. London police chief Cressida Dick urged protestors to "find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London" due to the coronavirus fears.

Anti-racism protests undoubtedly increase risk of coronavirus spread: UK health minister

With 759 deaths on Wednesday, the death toll in novel coronavirus in the United Kingdom touched&nbsp;18,100, new health ministry figures showed on Wednesday, up 759 from the previous day's toll.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock had earlier said that Britain was "at the peak" of its outbreak of COVID-19, one of the worst in the world.

Tuesday's toll does not include care homes or deaths in the community which was 17,337, that&nbsp;would suggest a daily increase of 763. But officials said the historic data has been revised.

(With inputs from AFP)

With 759 deaths on Wednesday, the death toll in novel coronavirus in the United Kingdom touched 18,100, new health ministry figures showed on Wednesday, up 759 from the previous day's toll.

With 759 deaths on Wednesday, the death toll in novel coronavirus in the United Kingdom touched 18,100, new health ministry figures showed on Wednesday, up 759 from the previous day's toll. Health Secretary Matt Hancock had earlier said that Britain was "at the peak" of its outbreak of COVID-19, one of the worst in the world. Tuesday's toll does not include care homes or deaths in the community which was 17,337, that would suggest a daily increase of 763. But officials said the historic data has been revised. (With inputs from AFP)

United Kingdom coronavirus death toll rises 759 to 18,100

Famous politicians who got tested for or have contracted coronavirus

Britain will have the power to force people to quarantine if necessary as part of its strategy to fight coronavirus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC television on Sunday (March 15).

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"We are going to take the powers to make sure that we can quarantine people if they are a risk to public health," he said. "I doubt we will need to use it very much because people are being very responsible and people need to be responsible."

Hancock urged Britons to "buy what you need" and not to clear supermarket shelves because "there's an impact on others."

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticized for not implementing more of the measures taken in other European countries, such as increasing social isolation and banning mass gatherings.

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Hancock, however, said the government's plan was based on credible scientific advice, adding that the underlying data used for its modelling would be published in the coming days.

He said the concept of herd immunity - where the virus spreads through the population to increase overall resistance - was not part of the government's strategy.

He said the government was ready to ban mass gatherings if necessary.

Britain will have the power to force people to quarantine if necessary as part of its strategy to fight coronavirus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC television on Sunday (March 15).

Britain will have the power to force people to quarantine if necessary as part of its strategy to fight coronavirus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC television on Sunday (March 15). Also read: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report "We are going to take the powers to make sure that we can quarantine people if they are a risk to public health," he said. "I doubt we will need to use it very much because people are being very responsible and people need to be responsible." Hancock urged Britons to "buy what you need" and not to clear supermarket shelves because "there's an impact on others." Also read: Coronavirus crisis delays start of Netanyahu corruption trial British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticized for not implementing more of the measures taken in other European countries, such as increasing social isolation and banning mass gatherings. × Hancock, however, said the government's plan was based on credible scientific advice, adding that the underlying data used for its modelling would be published in the coming days. He said the concept of herd immunity - where the virus spreads through the population to increase overall resistance - was not part of the government's strategy. He said the government was ready to ban mass gatherings if necessary.

UK to bring legislate to force people to quarantine: Health Secretary

Health minister Matt Hancock pulled out of the contest to be the next British prime minister on Friday, leaving six candidates remaining in the fight to replace Theresa May. "The party clearly is looking for a candidate to deal with the here and now. I very much put myself forward as the candidate focused on the future and so I've decided to withdraw from the race," he said in an interview with the BBC on Friday.

UK health minister Hancock pulls out of contest to be next prime minister

<p content="London (AFP) - The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got under way on Monday, with frontrunner Boris Johnson facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal." data-reactid="45" type="text">The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got underway on Monday, with frontrunner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-pm-candidate-johnson-plans-tax-cuts-telegraph-225881">Boris Johnson</a> facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal.

<p content="Eleven candidates have declared their interest in succeeding May, who quit as her Conservative party's leader on Friday over her failure to take Britain out of the EU on time." data-reactid="46" type="text">Eleven candidates have declared their interest in succeeding May, who quit as her Conservative party's leader on Friday over her failure to take Britain out of the EU on time. She remains prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, and they will automatically enter Downing Street.

<p content="The race has been dominated by Britain's looming EU exit on October 31, with Johnson among those talking tough on the need to renegotiate the terms May struck or leave with no deal." data-reactid="48" type="text">The race has been dominated by Britain's looming EU exit on October 31, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-brexit-case-hounding-his-leadership-bid-225320">Johnson</a> among those talking tough on the need to renegotiate the terms May struck or leave with no deal.

<p content="But his vow to refuse to pay the multi-billion-euro financial settlement she has agreed, covering Britain's liabilities from four decades of EU membership, drew a sharp rebuke from Paris." data-reactid="49" type="text">But his vow to refuse to pay the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-threatens-to-withhold-50-billion-brexit-payment-225603">multi-billion-euro financial settlement</a> she has agreed, covering Britain's liabilities from four decades of EU membership, drew a sharp rebuke from Paris.

<p content="&quot;Not honouring payment obligations is a breach of international commitment equivalent to a default on its sovereign debt, with the consequences that we know,&quot; a source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP." data-reactid="50" type="text">"Not honouring payment obligations is a breach of international commitment equivalent to a default on its sovereign debt, with the consequences that we know," a source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP.

<p content="Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite but has not appeared in public for weeks, a tactic that has helped the politician best known for his gaffes, jokes and anecdotes to stay on message." data-reactid="51" type="text">Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite but has not appeared in public for weeks, a tactic that has helped the politician best known for his gaffes, jokes and anecdotes to stay on message.

While his rivals have been touring the broadcast studios, he announced his latest campaign promise -- to slash income tax -- in his regular newspaper column.

<p content="By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago." data-reactid="53" type="text">By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago.

<p content="By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago." data-reactid="53" type="text">Serious times

May took over after the 2016 EU referendum but was forced to quit after failing three times to get her divorce deal through parliament, and twice delaying Brexit.

Johnson and Gove were both leading campaigners for Brexit in the referendum, but while the former quit the government over May's approach, Gove stayed on.

<p content="The pair have history -- Gove dramatically withdrew his backing for Johnson during the 2016 leadership campaign, only to falter himself, clearing the way for May." data-reactid="57" type="text">The pair have history -- Gove dramatically withdrew his backing for Johnson during the 2016 leadership campaign, only to falter himself, clearing the way for May.

<p content="The 51-year-old's campaign this time has been hit by the revelation in a forthcoming biography of his illegal use of cocaine, which he admitted but said was a mistake." data-reactid="58" type="text">The 51-year-old's campaign this time has been hit by the revelation in a forthcoming biography of his illegal use of cocaine, which he admitted but said was a mistake.

He suffered another blow on Monday when his cabinet colleague Amber Rudd, a moderate on Brexit, endorsed Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt for the leadership.

<p content="Gove has taken a softer line on Britain's EU departure than Johnson, suggesting he might delay Brexit once again to try to avoid a damaging &quot;no deal&quot; exit." data-reactid="60" type="text">Gove has taken a softer line on Britain's EU departure than Johnson, suggesting he might delay Brexit once again to try to avoid a damaging "no deal" exit.

Meanwhile, Hunt claimed at that weekend that he had received encouraging signals for renegotiating the Brexit deal from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

<p content="In response, a German government spokeswoman referenced a previous remark by Merkel that the deal cannot be reopened, although a declaration on future ties could be." data-reactid="62" type="text">In response, a German government spokeswoman referenced a previous remark by Merkel that the deal cannot be reopened, although a declaration on future ties could be.

<p content="Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Interior Minister Sajid Javid, former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom are also in the running among several others." data-reactid="63" type="text">Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Interior Minister Sajid Javid, former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom are also in the running among several others.

<p content="Each must have the support of at least eight Conservative MPs to stand. In a series of secret ballots running from June 13 to 20, MPs will then whittle down the field to a final pair." data-reactid="64" type="text">Each must have the support of at least eight Conservative MPs to stand. In a series of secret ballots running from June 13 to 20, MPs will then whittle down the field to a final pair.

These two will then be chosen in a postal ballot by more than 160,000 paying party members.

<p content="Johnson emphasises his appeal across the political divide, a persuasive argument as there is a real risk of a general election if the parliamentary deadlock over Brexit remains." data-reactid="66" type="text">Johnson emphasises his appeal across the political divide, a persuasive argument as there is a real risk of a general election if the parliamentary deadlock over Brexit remains.

<p content="The Tories are under pressure from both leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching disgruntled Tory voters." data-reactid="67" type="text">The Tories are under pressure from both leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching disgruntled Tory voters.

<p content="But Johnson's bombastic rhetoric has alienated many colleagues and voters, he has been accused of lying during the Brexit campaign and his time as foreign minister was underwhelming." data-reactid="68" type="text">But Johnson's bombastic rhetoric has alienated many colleagues and voters, he has been accused of lying during the Brexit campaign and his time as foreign minister was underwhelming.

In endorsing Hunt, Rudd said: "These are serious times and we need a respected statesman who Brussels will listen to, not more bluster."

The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got underway on Monday, with frontrunner Boris Johnson facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal.

The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got underway on Monday, with frontrunner Boris Johnson facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal. Eleven candidates have declared their interest in succeeding May, who quit as her Conservative party's leader on Friday over her failure to take Britain out of the EU on time. She remains prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, and they will automatically enter Downing Street. The race has been dominated by Britain's looming EU exit on October 31, with Johnson among those talking tough on the need to renegotiate the terms May struck or leave with no deal. But his vow to refuse to pay the multi-billion-euro financial settlement she has agreed, covering Britain's liabilities from four decades of EU membership, drew a sharp rebuke from Paris. "Not honouring payment obligations is a breach of international commitment equivalent to a default on its sovereign debt, with the consequences that we know," a source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP. Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite but has not appeared in public for weeks, a tactic that has helped the politician best known for his gaffes, jokes and anecdotes to stay on message. While his rivals have been touring the broadcast studios, he announced his latest campaign promise -- to slash income tax -- in his regular newspaper column. By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago. Serious times May took over after the 2016 EU referendum but was forced to quit after failing three times to get her divorce deal through parliament, and twice delaying Brexit. Johnson and Gove were both leading campaigners for Brexit in the referendum, but while the former quit the government over May's approach, Gove stayed on. The pair have history -- Gove dramatically withdrew his backing for Johnson during the 2016 leadership campaign, only to falter himself, clearing the way for May. The 51-year-old's campaign this time has been hit by the revelation in a forthcoming biography of his illegal use of cocaine, which he admitted but said was a mistake. He suffered another blow on Monday when his cabinet colleague Amber Rudd, a moderate on Brexit, endorsed Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt for the leadership. Gove has taken a softer line on Britain's EU departure than Johnson, suggesting he might delay Brexit once again to try to avoid a damaging "no deal" exit. Meanwhile, Hunt claimed at that weekend that he had received encouraging signals for renegotiating the Brexit deal from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In response, a German government spokeswoman referenced a previous remark by Merkel that the deal cannot be reopened, although a declaration on future ties could be. Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Interior Minister Sajid Javid, former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom are also in the running among several others. Each must have the support of at least eight Conservative MPs to stand. In a series of secret ballots running from June 13 to 20, MPs will then whittle down the field to a final pair. These two will then be chosen in a postal ballot by more than 160,000 paying party members. Johnson emphasises his appeal across the political divide, a persuasive argument as there is a real risk of a general election if the parliamentary deadlock over Brexit remains. The Tories are under pressure from both leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching disgruntled Tory voters. But Johnson's bombastic rhetoric has alienated many colleagues and voters, he has been accused of lying during the Brexit campaign and his time as foreign minister was underwhelming. In endorsing Hunt, Rudd said: "These are serious times and we need a respected statesman who Brussels will listen to, not more bluster."

Drugs and Brexit: Race to replace United Kingdom's May under way

In pics: What happens after no-confidence vote against Theresa May?

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