The new strain, termed
VUI -202012/01 (Variant Under Investigation, the year 2020, month 12, variant 01) has already spread to over 60 locations in England and the new cases are rising faster as per Matt Hancock, England s Health Secretary. Many parts of the UK are currently under strict lockdown due to rising cases of COVID-19.
The new mutation is believed to be 70 per cent more transmissible than the original strain. Fearing a massive spread, several countries have announced travel bans, in wake of the approaching holiday season.
Speaking to CNN, US assistant health secretary Brett Giroir said that all options are under consideration. Hinting at the possibility of the US imposing a travel ban from the UK, Giroir said, I think everything is possible. We just need to put everything on the table, have an open scientific discussion and make the best recommendation .