By Tatiana Zaituni – KLTV Contributor
Scientists say the new strain of coronavirus could be up to 70% more transmissible. It has been found to be the cause of increasing the infection rate in London and South East England. Although, the Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Witty said it has also been found across other regions in the UK.
The toughest set of restrictions came into force on Sunday. London and the South East are under the strictest lockdown rules yet since the first lockdown – known as Tier 4.
Scientists have said that the new coronavirus variant is spreading more quickly. As a result, many have had to cancel or change their Christmas plans.
What About West Yorkshire?
However, most West Yorkshire areas have remained in Tier 3. In spite of weeks of a falling infection rate and the decreasing number of coronavirus cases around the region.
Bradford, Leeds, Kirklees, Wakefield and Calderdale will remain under these restrictions – no further update has been announced. As the ‘vast majority’ of areas put in Tier 3 will not change, says Matt Hancock.
Many were not too happy with the decision. It was met with frustration from locals as they have been put in some form of lockdown for months.
“Behave as if they might as well have the virus”
But with the strain of the virus spreading quickly, the government is warning people to ‘behave as if they might as well have the virus’- especially in Tier 4 areas, says Matt Hancock in a Sky News interview.
The government has been under some scrutiny over the way local lockdowns have been dealt with and mishandling of the crisis. Over 66,000 people have died from the virus, making the UK one of the world’s highest per-capita death toll.
However, the mounting anxiety to keep the curve low by avoiding the second wave of Covid-19 cases and deaths has led the government to make decisions that may lead to a third national lockdown.