U.K. says six African countries to be added to COVID red-list

"UKHSA is investigating a new variant. More data is needed but we're taking precautions now," Britain's Secretary of State for Health said

Britain's Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid. File

Six African countries will beadded to England's travel "red list" after the U.K. Health Security Agency flagged concern over a new coronavirus variant, Britain's Secretary of State for Health Sajid Javid said on Thursday.

"UKHSA is investigating a new variant. More data is needed but we're taking precautions now," Mr. Javid said in a tweet.

"From noon tomorrow six African countries will be added tothe red list, flights will be temporarily banned, and U.K. travellers must quarantine."