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.
The government faced criticism for abruptly scrapping plans to ease restrictions for Christmas and imposing an effective lockdown on more than 16 million people. Health minister Matt Hancock defended the decision, saying evidence showing the new strain was causing spiralling cases had forced the action.
The variant, which officials say is up to 70% more transmissible than the original, also prompted concerns about a wider spread. Several European…
Keep on reading: Tougher UK COVID-19 curbs may last some time, health minister suggests