New more infectious coronavirus strain from South Africa detected in UK: British health secy

South Africa's health department confirmed last week that a new genetic mutation of the virus had been discovered.

It is believed that the new variant might be responsible for a recent surge in infections there.

Speaking during a media briefing, Hancock said: "Thanks to the impressive genomic capability of the South Africans, we've detected two cases of another new variant of coronavirus here in the UK."

"Both are contacts of cases who have travelled from South Africa over the past few weeks."

Matt Hancock further said: "This new variant is highly concerning because it is yet more transmissible and appears to have mutated further than the new variant that has been discovered in the UK."

He said the government has placed "immediate restrictions" on travel to South Africa.

Britain is already combatting the spread of a mutated strain of the coronavirus,  which is 70 pct more infectious and transmissible.

Several countries including India have imposed a travel ban to and from the UK owing to the rapid spread of the new strain of the virus.

The new strain of the virus has sparked fresh concern worldwide as cases of the new coronavirus mutation have been also found in countries like Denmark, Italy, Gibraltar, the Netherlands and Australia besides the UK where it was first detected in September.