What scientists know about the coronavirus variant spreading in the U.K.

LONDON — Several European countries have banned flights from the U.K. over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans.

Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Italy all announced restrictions on U.K. travel. Others will likely follow suit as scientists warned that the new strain spreads more quickly than its predecessor.

With U.K. infection levels rising rapidly, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Saturday at a news conference that London and the U.K.'s southeast would be put under the strictest lockdown rules, known as "Tier 4."

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