A new form of coronavirus has been identified in the UK, with over 1,000 people infected with the new variant of the disease.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that the UK had found a new variant of coronavirus, with analysis showing the variant is growing faster than the existing coronavirus.
Mr Hancock said that over 1,000 cases has been identified in the South of England, with numbers increasing rapidly.
He also confirmed the variant had been found in 60 local authority areas.
He 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 that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants.
"We've currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the South of England although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority areas.
"And numbers are increasing rapidly."
Mr Hancock said the variant was similar to other variants found in other countries and that the World Health Organisation had been informed.
He said that Public Health England would continue their research into the new mutation.
But Mr Hancock assured people that there was nothing to suggest that the variant caused more serious disease or would fail to respond to a vaccine.
He said: "I must stress at this point that there is currently nothing to suggest that this variant is more likely to cause serious disease and the latest clinical advice is that it's highly unlikely that this mutation would fail to respond to a vaccine, but it shows we've got to be vigilant and follow the rules and everyone needs to take personal responsibility not to spread this virus."
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He added: "I need to tell the House that over the last week, we've seen very sharp, exponential rises in the virus across London, Kent, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.
"We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out."
Mr Hancock then confirmed that Greater London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire would be placed into Tier 3 to help control the virus.
