Residents of the UK capital city are leaving London to avoid the harshest lockdown. The fourth phase of lockdown has been issued in London since Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, people stumbled to leave the city.
Large numbers of people were seen leaving the city by train and car. The fourth stage lockdown is the most difficult. Last spring also this stage lockdown was given in London. Criticizing Londoners for moving elsewhere, the city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, said they were going to spread the virus. This will put their relatives at risk.
Meanwhile, Chris Witty, the country's chief medical officer, said a new strain of Covid-19 identified in the UK could spread faster. Emergency work has been started to ensure that this does not lead to a further increase in the death rate, he said.
In a statement, Professor Witty said the United Kingdom had also informed the World Health Organization about the new form of coronavirus. UK Health Minister Matt Hancock said the virus was out of control.
The Netherlands and Belgium have banned flights from the United Kingdom following the announcement of a new strain of coronavirus.
The Dutch government said the ban on passenger flights had been in effect since Sunday and would continue until January 1. They are monitoring the situation and considering imposing restrictions on other modes of transport.
