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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a fast-moving new variant of the virus, that is 70% more transmissible than previous strains, appears to be driving the rapid spread of new infections in London and southern England in recent weeks.

The Netherlands banned flights from the UK least until the end of the year. Belgium halted the Eurostar railway and stopped all flights and ferries from the UK. Ireland issued a 48-hour flight ban. Italy said it would block flights from the UK until January 6, and an order signed Sunday prohibits entry into Italy by anyone who has been in the UK in the last 14 days.

Germany, France, the European Council, and the European Commission agreed by phone to create a joint action plan for all 27 EU countries.