New variant of COVID-19 found in South East England

A new variant of coronavirus has been identified in the South East of England, Matt Hancock has told the House of Commons.

The Health Secretary said the new variant may explain the rapid spread of the virus over recent days.

Its spread is growing faster than the existing type, with over a thousand cases, he added.

There have been reports of this new variant in 60 local authority areas, and it is believed to be similar to that found in other countries over the last few months.

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/skynews

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynews

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skynews

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynews

For more content go to http://news.sky.com and download our apps:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8

Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android&hl=en_GB

Sky News videos are now available in Spanish here/Los video de Sky News están disponibles en español aquí https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzG5BnqHO8oNlrPDW9CYJog