The United Kingdom on Friday reported more than 28,500 new COVID-19 cases, with nearly 500 deaths.

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacts, during a visit to the Openreach L and D Training Centre in Bolton, England, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.  (AP)

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday imposed a new round of restrictions for London and much of southern England after officials said they have identified a new COVID-19 strain that can spread more quickly and is believed to be linked to a rise in infections across those areas. 

Johnson said that the capital and other areas in southern England currently under Tier 3 — the highest level of coronavirus restrictions — will move to an even stricter new Tier 4 that requires non-essential shops, hairdressers and indoor leisure venues to close after the end of business hours Saturday.

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