A new strain of the virus causing COVID-19 appeared in the UK in September. By mid-November, the new variety of SARS-CoV-2 appeared in ¼ of new cases.  Now, in December, that portion is much larger at over 60% of new cases. The change left Prime Minister Boris Johnson little choice but to restrict movement over Christmas. 

It’s a warning that Americans should heed. Had Johnson acted swiftly and controlled the virus versus allowing uncontrolled spread, UK citizens might have had a very different Christmas. 

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