A new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) strain, which has a much stronger transmission power than before, has also been confirmed in the UK.



This variant was previously discovered in South Africa, and it appears that people who have been to South Africa have moved to the UK.



According to BBC Broadcasting and Reuters news agency on the 23rd (local time), British Health Minister Matt Hancock announced the confirmation of the new virus strain through a press conference.



Two recent trips to South Africa have been found to be infected with the strain.



The South African government confirmed on the 18th that the coronavirus strain, which scientists named '501.V2 strain', has recently led the spread of infection.



"Thanks to South Africa's incredible genetics capabilities, we have been able to detect two new cases of coronavirus in the UK," said Hancock.



He praised South Africa for its strong scientific capabilities, rapid disclosure and transparency after the discovery of variants.



Along with travel restrictions to South Africa, the British government said that people who have visited or come into contact with South Africa within the last 14 days must immediately enter self-isolation.



Minister Hancock said the discovered strain also appears to have stronger transmission power than the existing virus.



Earlier in the UK, the coronavirus strain known as'VUI-202012/01' appeared, and the number of confirmed cases is rapidly increasing.



Although this strain does not affect the fatality rate or the vaccine, it is analyzed that its transmission power is up to 70% stronger than before, and children are also easily infected.



Accordingly, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided on an emergency blockade last weekend by raising the corona 19 response stage in the capital London and southeast England to the highest level of 4 stages.



The first two strains of viruses, each first discovered in England and South Africa, are similar but have evolved separately.



Both carry a mutation called'N501YU', which was analyzed to play a critical role in infecting human cells.



Minister Hancock announced that, along with the news of the emergence of variants from South Africa, several regions in eastern and southeastern England, including Sussex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Hampshire, have been designated as the fourth stage of Corona 19 response.



Accordingly, an additional 6 million people will be placed in the affected area starting on the 26th.



Stage 4 is the same level as the blockade that lasted throughout the month.



All non-essential stores, gyms, and beauty salons should be closed.



If it is not possible to work from home, you must stay at home except for the purpose of attending school, childcare, or sports.



In outdoor public places, only one other household member can meet Hancock. In addition to these areas, Minister Hancock has upgraded to three stages, including Bristol and Somerset, and two stages, including Cornwall and Herefordshire.



The number of new confirmed cases of Corona 19 in the UK on this day was 39,237, a record high following the previous day (36,804).



There were 744 new deaths per day.



As a result, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the UK increased to 214,551, and the cumulative death toll increased to 69,51.



(yunhap news)