December 22 – After the emergence of a new variant of the novel coronavirus in the United Kingdom, many European countries have urgently announced measures such as closing their borders and grounding flights to and from the United Kingdom.
As a result, France announced the suspension of British passenger and cargo traffic for 48 hours from 24:00 on the 20th. At the time of Christmas, the British people worry that this move will affect the supply of food and medical supplies in Britain.
According to Sky News, on the 21st local time, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured at a press conference held at 10 Downing Street that people could shop normally and that “the vast majority” of food and medical supplies would not be affected. He said that he had discussed the transportation delay in Dover Harbor on the south coast of England with French President Macron, hoping to solve the above problems as soon as possible.
Johnson explained that the restrictions imposed by France only apply to a small part of British food imports, and there will be no shortage of food, so everyone can continue to shop normally. He also said that the British government fully understands the concerns of European countries about the new variant of the novel coronavirus.
Earlier on the 21st, British media reported that Johnson discussed the shortage of some imported food at a high-level meeting. The government was worried that if the port was closed for more than two days, some food would run out in a few weeks.
In addition, the shutdown of freight between Britain and France will not only affect the food supply, but may even affect the supply of coronavirus vaccine.
On the 19th, local time, Johnson and scientists confirmed that a new variant of the novel coronavirus found in the United Kingdom is 70% more contagious than the ordinary novel coronavirus.
The British side said that the new variant may have been transmitted abroad, and the most urgent task is to ensure that this variant of the virus does not lead to higher mortality. British Health Secretary Hancock said on the 20th that the spread of mutant coronavirus has out of control.
Affected by this, many countries have successively announced measures such as closing their borders and grounding flights to and from the United Kingdom to cope with the new variants of the novel coronavirus.
