LONDON: England is imposing tier three restrictions following the identification of new strain of coronavirus.

According to details, millions of people in England are set to move into the ‘toughest coronavirus restrictions’ after government officials warned that a new Covid-19 strain of the virus may be connected to surge in infections.

Several cities of England including London, Essex and Hertfordshire will join tier three at 00:01 GMT on Wednesday.

The announcement will move about 61% of England's population under strict restrictions.

As per country’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the decision has been taken to control the spike in cases.

“A new variant of Covid-19 had been identified by experts. Initial analysis suggested it was growing faster than the existing variant, affecting at least 60 different local authorities. The rise in transmission is a warning to us all that even after such a difficult year, we must stay vigilant,” he said.

Under tier three, which is considered as a high alert situation, all restaurants, clubs and pubs have been instructed to shut down, except for takeaway and delivery. Moreover, all indoor entertainment venues including cinemas, theatres and bowling alleys and cinemas must remain closed.