London: New strain of coronavirus is wreaking havoc in European countries. The  United Kingdom reported over 50,000 corona cases in a span of 24 hours for the second consecutive day, pushing the total number of infections to over 24 lakh on Wednesday. The UK also recorded 981 deaths in a day due to new corona strain, taking the fatality toll since the pandemic began to 72,548. In view of a spike in the infection rate caused by the new variant of the coronavirus, the UK had imposed a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown last Sunday, closing non-essential shops and businesses.

UK's highest single-day spike in COVID-19 deaths – 1,445,  was reported in April during the pandemic’s first peak. UK on Tuesday recorded 53,135 coronavirus cases – the highest single-day figure to date. Earlier today, the British government said the strictest corona restrictions will be imposed in more areas of England as a highly infectious variant of the virus is spreading across the country. Health Secretary Matt Hancock was quoted by Reuters as saying, “Unfortunately this new variant is now spreading across most of England and cases are doubling fast. It is, therefore, necessary to apply tier four to a wider area."

Earlier, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the fast-moving new variant of the virus that is 70 per cent more transmissible than existing strain. 

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