The WHO has also been monitoring two additional coronavirus strains that are actively spreading in UK's Bristol and Liverpool.

2 new Covid variants detected in UK's Liverpool and Bristol

Eleven people have died of Covid-19 following an outbreak at a care home near Madrid which may be linked to the so-called British variant of the virus, officials said Friday.&nbsp;

"We have had a major outbreak at an old people's home in Becerril de la Sierra," said Antonio Zapatero, deputy health chief in the Madrid region, referring to a town in the mountains near the capital.&nbsp;

He said the outbreak, which was first detected on January 7, infected all 48 residents and 17 staff, with investigations suggesting it may have been caused by the more contagious variant first discovered in Britain in November.&nbsp;

"Five residents died at the home and six people died in hospital," he said, indicating another five people had also been hospitalised, two of whom were in "a clinically worrying situation".

"Public health investigations have been carried out... (which) suggest it may be the British strain that caused the outbreak in the nursing home," he said.

On Monday, a top health ministry official said Spain had so far confirmed 219 cases of the British variant, but by Friday that number had grown to around 350.&nbsp;

"Currently in Spain, around 350 confirmed cases of the British variant have been registered, although we estimate that suspected cases account for between five and 10 percent of the total confirmed cases," newly-appointed Health Minister Carolina Darias told MPs on Friday.&nbsp;

"The next few weeks will be key in determining whether this variant gradually takes over as it has in other countries," she said.

Earlier this week, Fernando Simon, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator, said the variant could become the predominant strain in Spain within a month.

Eleven people have died of Covid-19 following an outbreak at a care home near Madrid which may be linked to the so-called British variant of the virus, officials said Friday.

Eleven people have died of Covid-19 following an outbreak at a care home near Madrid which may be linked to the so-called British variant of the virus, officials said Friday. "We have had a major outbreak at an old people's home in Becerril de la Sierra," said Antonio Zapatero, deputy health chief in the Madrid region, referring to a town in the mountains near the capital. He said the outbreak, which was first detected on January 7, infected all 48 residents and 17 staff, with investigations suggesting it may have been caused by the more contagious variant first discovered in Britain in November. "Five residents died at the home and six people died in hospital," he said, indicating another five people had also been hospitalised, two of whom were in "a clinically worrying situation". "Public health investigations have been carried out... (which) suggest it may be the British strain that caused the outbreak in the nursing home," he said. On Monday, a top health ministry official said Spain had so far confirmed 219 cases of the British variant, but by Friday that number had grown to around 350. "Currently in Spain, around 350 confirmed cases of the British variant have been registered, although we estimate that suspected cases account for between five and 10 percent of the total confirmed cases," newly-appointed Health Minister Carolina Darias told MPs on Friday. "The next few weeks will be key in determining whether this variant gradually takes over as it has in other countries," she said. Earlier this week, Fernando Simon, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator, said the variant could become the predominant strain in Spain within a month.

Eleven die in Spain care home outbreak, UK strain suspected

The UK coronavirus strain has spread to at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization reported Wednesday after US President-elect Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;led a moving tribute to American victims.

Covid-19 has claimed more than two million lives globally since it was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan more than a year ago, while the total number of reported cases is edging towards 100 million, according to an AFP tally.

The arrival of mass inoculation drives in the United States, Europe and Asia had brought hope that the end of the epidemic was in sight.

But deep concern over new variants of the deadly pathogen has triggered governments around the world to toughen constraints on restriction-weary populations as officials grapple with how to slow infections until vaccines become widely available.

In its weekly update, the WHO announced the strain first found in the UK was now in 10 more countries than seven days ago.

It said the South African variant,&nbsp;which similarly is believed to be more transmissible -- has been reported in 23 countries and territories.

The number of new deaths climbed to a record high of 93,000 over the previous week, it added, with 4.7 million new cases reported over the same period.

&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;leads tributes&nbsp;

The US is by far the worst-hit nation with more than 400,000 deaths, and incoming Commander-in-Chief&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;focused on healing at a memorial for victims on the eve of his&nbsp;inauguration.

Almost a year after the US registered its first fatality, the pace of the pandemic has picked up with 100,000 deaths in the past month alone.

"It's hard sometimes to remember, but that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in sombre remarks on Tuesday in Washington at the National Mall reflecting pool, where lights were turned on as a memorial to those who have died.

"Let us shine the lights in the darkness along the sacred pool of reflection and remember all who we lost,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said.

The President-elect has made tackling the pandemic his top priority, as he prepares to take office in Washington on Wednesday.

He is already being forced to take action, with his aides contradicting an order from outgoing President Donald Trump to lift travel bans to Europe and Brazil designed to stop the spread.

Beijing lockdown

In China, which has largely brought the virus under control, a partial lockdown was imposed on the capital Beijing on Wednesday, with 1.6 million residents banned from leaving the city.

The country is battling its largest resurgence of Covid-19 cases in nearly a year, although the official figures are startlingly low compared to the rest of the world: just seven cases were reported in Beijing on Wednesday.

Authorities ordered residents of the southern Beijing district of Daxing -- which includes one of the city's two international airports -- to remain indoors.&nbsp;

But in Wuhan, the city of 11 million people now synonymous with the coronavirus, there were scenes of relaxation and travel freedoms this week.

Wet markets throng with shoppers, elderly dancers rehearse in the parks, and bars sell "Wuhan Stay Strong" craft beer.

"Wuhan had a tough year in 2020," Wang Chen, a 20-year-old resident, told AFP outside the exhibition, adding that China "handled the crisis very well."

Olympic spirit

Despite mounting case numbers, organisers of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics are "unwavering" on holding the event this year.

In an interview with AFP ahead of the six-month countdown, Games CEO Toshiro Muto insisted the sporting showpiece was still possible, but conceded people are "anxious", including in Japan where Tokyo is under a state of emergency.

"We are not discussing cancellation," he said while admitting organisers couldn't rule out staging the event without spectators.

"Holding the Games is our unwavering policy, and at this point in time we're not discussing anything other than that."

However, his view was in contrast to that of a senior official from the London 2012 Games Keith Mills, who told the BBC Tokyo officials should be making plans to cancel.

Meanwhile, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, dozens of foreigners caught without masks have been subjected to an unusual punishment -- push-ups in the street.

Video footage showed people in T-shirts and shorts doing the vigorous exercise on pavements in the sweltering tropical heat, as masked security officials stood over them.

The UK coronavirus strain has spread to at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization reported Wednesday after US President-elect Joe Biden led a moving tribute to American victims.

The UK coronavirus strain has spread to at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization reported Wednesday after US President-elect Joe Biden led a moving tribute to American victims. Covid-19 has claimed more than two million lives globally since it was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan more than a year ago, while the total number of reported cases is edging towards 100 million, according to an AFP tally. The arrival of mass inoculation drives in the United States, Europe and Asia had brought hope that the end of the epidemic was in sight. But deep concern over new variants of the deadly pathogen has triggered governments around the world to toughen constraints on restriction-weary populations as officials grapple with how to slow infections until vaccines become widely available. In its weekly update, the WHO announced the strain first found in the UK was now in 10 more countries than seven days ago. It said the South African variant, which similarly is believed to be more transmissible -- has been reported in 23 countries and territories. The number of new deaths climbed to a record high of 93,000 over the previous week, it added, with 4.7 million new cases reported over the same period. Biden leads tributes The US is by far the worst-hit nation with more than 400,000 deaths, and incoming Commander-in-Chief Biden focused on healing at a memorial for victims on the eve of his inauguration. Almost a year after the US registered its first fatality, the pace of the pandemic has picked up with 100,000 deaths in the past month alone. "It's hard sometimes to remember, but that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation," Biden said in sombre remarks on Tuesday in Washington at the National Mall reflecting pool, where lights were turned on as a memorial to those who have died. "Let us shine the lights in the darkness along the sacred pool of reflection and remember all who we lost," Biden said. The President-elect has made tackling the pandemic his top priority, as he prepares to take office in Washington on Wednesday. He is already being forced to take action, with his aides contradicting an order from outgoing President Donald Trump to lift travel bans to Europe and Brazil designed to stop the spread. Beijing lockdown In China, which has largely brought the virus under control, a partial lockdown was imposed on the capital Beijing on Wednesday, with 1.6 million residents banned from leaving the city. The country is battling its largest resurgence of Covid-19 cases in nearly a year, although the official figures are startlingly low compared to the rest of the world: just seven cases were reported in Beijing on Wednesday. Authorities ordered residents of the southern Beijing district of Daxing -- which includes one of the city's two international airports -- to remain indoors. But in Wuhan, the city of 11 million people now synonymous with the coronavirus, there were scenes of relaxation and travel freedoms this week. Wet markets throng with shoppers, elderly dancers rehearse in the parks, and bars sell "Wuhan Stay Strong" craft beer. "Wuhan had a tough year in 2020," Wang Chen, a 20-year-old resident, told AFP outside the exhibition, adding that China "handled the crisis very well." Olympic spirit Despite mounting case numbers, organisers of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics are "unwavering" on holding the event this year. In an interview with AFP ahead of the six-month countdown, Games CEO Toshiro Muto insisted the sporting showpiece was still possible, but conceded people are "anxious", including in Japan where Tokyo is under a state of emergency. "We are not discussing cancellation," he said while admitting organisers couldn't rule out staging the event without spectators. "Holding the Games is our unwavering policy, and at this point in time we're not discussing anything other than that." However, his view was in contrast to that of a senior official from the London 2012 Games Keith Mills, who told the BBC Tokyo officials should be making plans to cancel. Meanwhile, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, dozens of foreigners caught without masks have been subjected to an unusual punishment -- push-ups in the street. Video footage showed people in T-shirts and shorts doing the vigorous exercise on pavements in the sweltering tropical heat, as masked security officials stood over them.

UK coronavirus strain detected in at least 60 countries: WHO

People who have been infected with novel coronavirus are as protected against reinfection as those who have received COVID-19 vaccines, according to the latest study.

Preliminary findings by scientists at Public Health England (PHE) showed that reinfections in people who have COVID-19 antibodies from a past infection are rare,&nbsp;with only 44 cases found among 6,614 previously infected people in the study.

But experts cautioned that the findings mean people who contracted the disease in the first wave of the pandemic in the early months of 2020 may now be vulnerable to catching it again.

They also warned that people with so-called "natural&nbsp;immunity",&nbsp;acquired through having had the infection - may still be able to carry the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in their nose and throat, and could unwittingly pass it on.

“We now know that most of those who have had the virus, and developed antibodies, are protected from reinfection, but this is not total and we do not yet know how long protection lasts," said Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at PHE and co-leader of the study, whose findings were published on Thursday.

“This means even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections. But there is still a risk you could acquire an infection and transmit (it) to others."

A statement on the study said its findings did not address antibody or other immune responses to vaccines now being rolled out against COVID-19, or on how effective vaccines would be. Vaccine responses will be considered later this year, it said.

The research, known as the SIREN study, involves tens of thousands of healthcare workers in Britain who have been tested regularly since June for new COVID-19 infections as well as for the presence of antibodies.

Between June 18 and November&nbsp;24 scientists detected 44 potential reinfections,&nbsp;two "probable" and 42 "possible" - out of 6,614 participants who had tested positive for antibodies. This represents an 83 per cent&nbsp;rate of protection from reinfection, they said.

The researchers plan to continue following and assessing the participants to see if this natural&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;might last longer than five months in some. But they warned that early evidence from the next stage of the study already suggests some people with&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;can still carry high levels of virus and could transmit it to others.

"It is, therefore, crucial that everyone continues to follow the rules and stays at home, even if they have previously had COVID-19," they said in the statement about their results.

People who have been infected with novel coronavirus are as protected against reinfection as those who have received COVID-19 vaccines, according to the latest study.

People who have been infected with novel coronavirus are as protected against reinfection as those who have received COVID-19 vaccines, according to the latest study. Preliminary findings by scientists at Public Health England (PHE) showed that reinfections in people who have COVID-19 antibodies from a past infection are rare, with only 44 cases found among 6,614 previously infected people in the study. But experts cautioned that the findings mean people who contracted the disease in the first wave of the pandemic in the early months of 2020 may now be vulnerable to catching it again. They also warned that people with so-called "natural immunity", acquired through having had the infection - may still be able to carry the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in their nose and throat, and could unwittingly pass it on. “We now know that most of those who have had the virus, and developed antibodies, are protected from reinfection, but this is not total and we do not yet know how long protection lasts," said Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at PHE and co-leader of the study, whose findings were published on Thursday. “This means even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections. But there is still a risk you could acquire an infection and transmit (it) to others." A statement on the study said its findings did not address antibody or other immune responses to vaccines now being rolled out against COVID-19, or on how effective vaccines would be. Vaccine responses will be considered later this year, it said. The research, known as the SIREN study, involves tens of thousands of healthcare workers in Britain who have been tested regularly since June for new COVID-19 infections as well as for the presence of antibodies. Between June 18 and November 24 scientists detected 44 potential reinfections, two "probable" and 42 "possible" - out of 6,614 participants who had tested positive for antibodies. This represents an 83 per cent rate of protection from reinfection, they said. The researchers plan to continue following and assessing the participants to see if this natural immunity might last longer than five months in some. But they warned that early evidence from the next stage of the study already suggests some people with immunity can still carry high levels of virus and could transmit it to others. "It is, therefore, crucial that everyone continues to follow the rules and stays at home, even if they have previously had COVID-19," they said in the statement about their results.

Coronavirus infection provides as much immunity as vaccines: Study

India has successfully cultured the new coronavirus strain, which originated in the UK, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Saturday.

In a tweet, the ICMR claimed that no country has yet reported successful isolation and culture of the UK-variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Culture is the process by which cells are grown under controlled conditions, generally outside their natural environment.

"UK-variant of the virus, with all signature changes, is now successfully isolated and cultured at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) from the clinical specimens collected from UK-returnees," the ICMR said.

The research body said Vero cell lines were used by the scientists of ICMR-NIV to culture the UK-variant of the virus.

The UK had recently announced that the newly identified strain of the virus found in their population was up to 70 per cent more infectious.

A total of 29 people have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

India has successfully cultured the new coronavirus strain, which originated in the UK, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Saturday. In a tweet, the ICMR claimed that no country has yet reported successful isolation and culture of the UK-variant of SARS-CoV-2.

India has successfully cultured the new coronavirus strain, which originated in the UK, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Saturday. In a tweet, the ICMR claimed that no country has yet reported successful isolation and culture of the UK-variant of SARS-CoV-2. Culture is the process by which cells are grown under controlled conditions, generally outside their natural environment. "UK-variant of the virus, with all signature changes, is now successfully isolated and cultured at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) from the clinical specimens collected from UK-returnees," the ICMR said. The research body said Vero cell lines were used by the scientists of ICMR-NIV to culture the UK-variant of the virus. The UK had recently announced that the newly identified strain of the virus found in their population was up to 70 per cent more infectious. A total of 29 people have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

In a first, India successfully isolates, cultures UK-variant of Sars-CoV-2: ICMR

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

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