12-21-2020, 11:06 AM
UK records 35,928 new Covid-19 cases in one day; the highest ever as new strain causes rise in infections
The UK has recorded its highest ever daily rise in coronavirus infections, with 35,928 new Covid-19 cases reported on Sunday December 20, as the new Covid strain causes a 94.8 percent rise in infections.
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This brings the total number of coronavirus cases in the UK to more than 2.04 million.Â
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A further 326 deaths within 28 days of a positive test for the virus were also announced on Sunday, taking the UK’s death toll to 67,401.Â
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The new strain - called 'VUI – 202012/01' - is 70 percent more infectious and makes up 60 percent of London's new cases, Boris Johnson revealed on Saturday.Â
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He also warned that the strain could increase the crucial R rate by 0.4.
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The government has also introduced toughened restrictions in London and the southeast of England to try to curb the spread of a new, fast-spreading variant of the virus, while Wales has entered another national lockdown.Â
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Nicola Sturgeon has banned travel in and out of Scotland.
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Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said the decision to put millions into an effective lockdown under tier 4 measures was taken rapidly after evidence showed the new strain was responsible for spiralling cases.Â
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The move was followed by several EU nations halting flights coming from Britain over concerns about the new Covid-19 strain known as VUI 202012/01, with Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Italy all announcing restrictions on UK travel.
The UK has recorded its highest ever daily rise in coronavirus infections, with 35,928 new Covid-19 cases reported on Sunday December 20, as the new Covid strain causes a 94.8 percent rise in infections.
Â
This brings the total number of coronavirus cases in the UK to more than 2.04 million.Â
Â
A further 326 deaths within 28 days of a positive test for the virus were also announced on Sunday, taking the UK’s death toll to 67,401.Â
Â
The new strain - called 'VUI – 202012/01' - is 70 percent more infectious and makes up 60 percent of London's new cases, Boris Johnson revealed on Saturday.Â
Â
He also warned that the strain could increase the crucial R rate by 0.4.
Â
The government has also introduced toughened restrictions in London and the southeast of England to try to curb the spread of a new, fast-spreading variant of the virus, while Wales has entered another national lockdown.Â
Â
Nicola Sturgeon has banned travel in and out of Scotland.
Â
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said the decision to put millions into an effective lockdown under tier 4 measures was taken rapidly after evidence showed the new strain was responsible for spiralling cases.Â
Â
The move was followed by several EU nations halting flights coming from Britain over concerns about the new Covid-19 strain known as VUI 202012/01, with Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Italy all announcing restrictions on UK travel.