UK Health Secretary Explains Reason for Emergency Lockdown: "Difficult to Control Variant Coronavirus"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The UK Secretary of Health recently stated that the reason for the emergency lockdown measures implemented in the capital London and the southeast region of England is due to a variant of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The position is that the lockdown measures are unavoidable because controlling the variant virus is difficult.

Matt Hancock, the UK Secretary of Health, said in an interview with Sky News UK on the 20th (local time), "The government acted very quickly and decisively," adding, "Unfortunately, the variant was out of control." By revealing that the reason for the emergency lockdown measures implemented by the UK government in London and the southeast of England is due to the variant virus, concerns about the virus are growing. Secretary Hancock stated, "It will be difficult to control the variant until vaccines are distributed," and "This is the situation we will face for the next few months."

Earlier, the day before, the UK government raised the COVID-19 response to level 4 in parts of the southeast region of England, including London, and implemented emergency lockdown measures. From level 4 measures, the UK government emphasizes that all non-essential businesses, gyms, and hair salons must close, and unless working from home is impossible, people must stay at home except for essential purposes such as attending school, childcare, or exercise.

According to the BBC, UK scientists and health authorities estimate that the variant first appeared at the end of September and have determined that it is about 70% more transmissible than the existing virus. However, it has been reported that it does not increase the fatality rate or weaken vaccine efficacy.