02 Feb

Britain plans to ramp up testing for the coronavirus after detecting infections of a variant that is spreading in South Africa.

Health authorities in England say they have identified more than 100 cases of the variant, 11 of which were in people who had no links to those who had traveled overseas.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told reporters on Monday, "There's currently no evidence to suggest this variant is any more severe." But he added, "We need to come down on it hard, and we will."

Up to 80,000 people in districts where the variant has been confirmed will be subject to testing. Authorities also plan to carry out contact-tracing.

Britain requires all travelers arriving from overseas to show documents proving they have tested negative before departure, and to self-quarantine for 10 days upon entry in principle.

Britain has also been grappling with another variant first identified in the country that is thought to be more transmissible than the original strain.

nhk