By Health advisers warn ministers over spread of new strain of Covid-19
New strain of virus Scientific advisers have warned ministers they believe the new variant of coronavirus spreads more quickly than previous strains.
It is anticipated the SAGE advisory group will be summoned on Monday to work up a series of recommendations for how Tier 3 restrictions could be strengthened in light of the increased transmissibility of the new strain.
Reports speculate this could include travel restrictions being imposed on the South East and London, with a news conference to announce the measures potentially coming as early as Saturday.
The government is yet to issue any response to the reports.
It is understood the government’s scientific advisers do not see any evidence the new strain causes more serious disease, or would be resistant to current vaccines.
Professor John Edmonds said the UK’s tier system did not appear to be effective in preventing the increase in cases, and predicted tighter measures would be needed.
Professor John Edmunds, member of the scientific advisory panel, said:
“I think we are going to have to look at these measures and perhaps tighten them up, we really will”.
“It’s a horrible thing to have to say but we are in quite a difficult position”.
The new strain of the virus was first identified and put to the public earlier this week by Health Secretary, Matt Hancock.
When speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Hancock said that more than 1,000 cases of the strain had been found:
“Predominantly in the south of England”.
He stated the new strain had been spreading faster than the existing strain of coronavirus and is believed to be fuelling the “very sharp, exponential rises” in cases across the South East.
However, he later added there was:
“Currently nothing to suggest that this variant is more likely to cause serious disease”.
