France confirms new virus variant situation in state

PARIS — French health authorities have verified the country’s first circumstance of the virus variant that prompted rigorous new lockdown measures in Britain and world wide journey limitations.

A French gentleman dwelling in England arrived in France on Dec. 19 and tested constructive for the new variant Friday, the French community wellness agency reported in a statement. He experienced no symptoms and was isolating in his household in the central town of Excursions.

Authorities ended up tracing the person’s contacts and laboratories were being analyzing checks from numerous other men and women who may well have the new variant, the statement said.

Go through Extra: A number of EU nations halt United kingdom flights, fearing virus variant

Some other European international locations have also claimed situations of the new variant, which British authorities explained appears more contagious and was spreading speedy. The British announcement Dec. 19 prompted international locations close to the earth to suspend flights from the U.K., and France banned all travellers and cargo from Britain for two times, leading to significant targeted visitors troubles all over the British port of Dover.

France reopened the border but now demands any person coming into from Britain to have a take a look at exhibiting they do not have the new variant.

A 2nd partial lockdown sharply curbed France’s infections, but they have been again on the rise more than the previous two weeks. France has among the the world’s greatest virus loss of life tolls.