Netherlands Bans Flightsrom UK After New Mutant Coronavirus Strain Identified

According to the Sunday government statement, sampling cases in the Netherlands in early December revealed the same virus strain as that observed in the UK. Following the latest reportsrom Britain, this case is being investigated further.

The release also says that the Dutch National Institute for Public Health\and the Environment (RIVM) has reviewed  travel advisories for people arriving in the Netherlandsrom the United Kingdom.

"Pending further details\and greater clarity on the situation in the United Kingdom, RIVM has advised that the risk of the new virus strain being introduced to the Netherlands should be minimised as much as possible by restricting\or regulating travelrom the UK. As a result, the Dutch government decided […] to take the following precaution: at 06:00 local time [05:00 GMT] on 20 December a ban on flights carrying passengersrom the United Kingdom will enter into force," the government statement says.

The new travel ban will remain in place until 1 January, 2021, at the latest.

Earlier, the World Health\organization (WHO) tweeted that it was in close contact with UK officials regarding the new mutant coronavirus strain\and would release additional information on the new virus variant discovered in the UK as it becomes available. The\organization urged people to comply with local coronavirus guidance\and take protective measures.

On Saturday, UK health officials announced that the country had identified a new mutated variant of COVID-19 that can spread more quickly than other coronavirus strains.