All flights to and from the United Kingdom will be suspended from 22nd December, Malta’s authorities have announced following the emergence of a new COVID-19 strain in the country.

Maltese citizens and residents of Malta that are in the UK will be allowed to return to the country. However, they will be subject to a rapid test upon their arrival and be forced into a 14-day mandatory quarantine.

The new variant is believed to 70% more transmissible than other existing strains. However, scientists believe it is not more fatal and vaccines will still remain effective.

The new variant has spread to every region of England, as well as parts of Scotland and Wales. It has been seen in some European countries and even as far away as South Africa and Australia.

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