UK hit by new coronavirus strain: All your questions answered The new Covid-19 strain, which is said to be up to 70 per cent more transmissible than the original, has already forced several countries to shut their borders or ban travel with the UK and has sowed fears of further economic disruptions. Updated: December 22, 2020 8:31:05 am Only a detailed scientific analysis will reveal the extent of the problem – which could take a few weeks to generate results. (AP) As Covid-19 vaccines start being rolled out in several countries, a new strain of the coronavirus discovered in Britain has sparked panic globally. The strain, which is said to be up to 70 per cent more transmissible than the original, has already forced several countries to shut their borders or ban travel with the UK and has sowed fears of further economic disruptions.