Fauci urges calm over new mutant Covid strain
Dozens of countries have put UK travel ban in place
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The top US infectious disease expert has urged calm over the new mutant Covid strain detected in the United Kingdom.
And Dr Anthony Fauci says he would also advise against suspending flights from UK airports to the US at a White House coronavirus Taskforce meeting.
Dr Fauci told CNN that health officials should “without a doubt keep an eye on it” but said that “we don’t want to overreact.”
“Follow it carefully, but don’t overreact to it,” he said.
UK health bosses warned over the weekend that the virus mutation “can spread more quickly” and was responsible for 60 per cent of new infections in London.
BA passengers from UK must test negative before departure to New York
New virus strains prompt travel restrictions with Britain
The UK is losing its allure for European students – thanks to Brexit
US Army doctors examine UK’s Covid mutation
Over two million people took flights over the weekend despite pandemic
Dozens of countries across Europe and the Middle East have announced UK travel bans.
New York’s governor Andrew Cuomo and New York mayor Bill de Blasio have both called for the federal government to bring in a travel ban.
“Why don’t we act intelligently for a change?” asked Mr Cuomo on Monday.
“Why don’t we mandate testing before people get on the flight or halt the flights from the UK now? Many other countries have done this.”
British Airways has agreed to test all passengers boarding a flight bound for New York state following discussions with Mr Cuomo’s office.
The governor has also urged Virgin and Delta to follow suit and has threatened to take action if they refuse.
Meanwhile the administration’s coronavirus testing czar, Admiral Brett Giroir, said that the White House would listen to experts before making any decision.
"I think everything is possible. We just need to put everything on the table, have an open scientific discussion and make a best recommendation,” he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments