New deadly strain of coronavirus spreads in UK; Caution in Ireland as well

DUBLIN: The Department of Health has confirmed that a new deadly coronavirus variant found in the UK has not yet been identified in Ireland. Dr. Cillian De Gascun, a member of the National Public Health Emergency Response Team, made the revelation on Twitter yesterday.

However, health ministry sources said that COVID testing centers in Ireland were also on high alert for such viruses.

The spread of a new coronavirus strain in London was disclosed by the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Mr. Hancock said a detailed study of the incident is underway. He also said that the matter had been reported to the World Health Organization.

Health Secretary says it’s a very bad condition and it doesn’t seem to been possible to prevent it with a vaccine. More than 1,000 cases have currently been reported in southern England.

Last week, the virus was confirmed in three counties: London, Kent and Essex. Police closed pubs and bars after the virus was confirmed. Only take-away systems are allowed to operate.

“Over the last week we have seen very sharp, exponential rises in the virus across London, Kent, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire,” Matt Hancock said.

“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,” he added.