A new variant of coronavirus is rapidly spreading across parts of England. This is causing new concerns and new travel restrictions. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned.” While this strain is spreading faster, health experts say it may not be any more dangerous than what we’ve been dealing with since early this year and it shouldn’t be resistant to the vaccine either. But there certainly is a race to stop the spread. NPR reports that “The British government put several parts of England into what’s known as “Tier 4″ restrictions after the spike in infections.”

The new restrictions are broadly similar to the national restrictions that were in place in November. Residents in the affected areas can’t leave their homes except for essential trips; non-essential retail — as well as indoor gyms, movie theaters and hairdressers — have been forced to close. If people want to spend time with those outside their household, it can only be one person at a time, and it needs to be outdoors. (One difference from November’s restrictions is that communal worship can still take place.)

Travel is also being impacted. The BBC writes, “European nations have begun to impose travel bans on the UK after it reported a more-infectious and “out of control” coronavirus variant.Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium are all halting flights. The measures vary and are initially short-term but the French rules also affect Channel freight.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is asking the Trump administration to take similar action. Here’s part of a statement from the Governor’s office:

The Governor called on the federal government to consider multiple restrictions in the wake of the new variant of COVID-19, including imposing mandatory testing of individuals traveling from the United Kingdom on flights to the United States, as well as a new travel ban from Europe. 

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