PARIS: France has confirmed the first case of a new coronavirus variant that recently emerged in Britain, its health ministry said. Health authorities have carried out contact-tracing for the health professionals taking care of the patient, the ministry said in a statement. Borders closedOn Monday, France’s health minister Olivier Veran had admitted that it was possible the newly discovered strain was already in the country. France’s interior ministry said Thursday that limits on travel from the UK will continue “until at least January 6”. Ahead of Christmas British health minister Matt Hancock announced the expansion of strict lockdown measures across further parts of the south of England to contain the spread of the disease.

Source: Manila Times December 26, 2020 00:45 UTC