A new strain of coronavirus that spreads more rapidly has been identified, leading to surges in cases in London and Kent.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed the worrying new development in the Commons as he confirmed plans to move London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire into Tier 3.
However he said there was no evidence to suggest the new variant is resistant to vaccines or any more deadly but it’s easier to transmit from person to person.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Hancock said: "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England.
"Initial analysis suggests this variant is growing faster than the existing variants."
It comes as more than 10million people in London, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will plunge into a Tier 3 coronavirus lockdown from 12.01am on Wednesday.
Matt Hancock confirmed the move to MPs after they were told cases in the capital were "off the chart".
