LONDON — London and southeast England may stay under tighter curbs for some time to stem a fast-spreading new coronavirus strain, Britain’s health minister suggested on Sunday, as COVID-19 cases surged by a record number for one day. Health minister Matt Hancock defended the decision, saying evidence showing the new strain was causing spiralling cases had forced the action. ADVERTISEMENTThe variant, which officials say is up to 70% more transmissible than the original, also prompted concerns about a wider spread. All of Wales will go into Tier 4 from midnight, but two households can mix on Christmas Day. For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 20, 2020 17:48 UTC