After the discovery of a new strain of mutated COVID-19 virus in the UK, Sri Lankan authorities have decided to suspend all flights coming from the United Kingdom, reported Daily Mirror. 

Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) on Monday announced the ban on flights over the fear of the spread of the new mutant in the country. The ban will come into effect from 2:00 am Wednesday, CAASL chairman Upul Dharmadasa was quoted as saying by The Daily Mirror. The health authorities of various countries, including India, confirmed the new virus is a super spreader.

The decision was taken to prevent the new strain of the virus in the country, he said. Around 40 countries, including India, announced a similar ban on flights from the UK. India on Monday announced the ban with effect from 12:59 pm, 22 December.