(CNN) The United Kingdom has identified a new, potentially more contagious coronavirus variant linked to a recent surge in cases in England. The new variant is being called VUI-202012/01 -- the first "Variant Under Investigation" in the UK in December 2020. As well as the UK, the variant has also been detected in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia, according to the WHO. Australia has identified two cases of the variant in a quarantined area in Sydney and Italy has also identified one patient infected with the variant. America's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told CNN on Monday that he would advise against additional restrictions on UK travel.

Source: CNN December 21, 2020 15:22 UTC