Lebanon detects first variant Covid case on flight from London

Experts warn that the new strain spreads more easily but doesn't appear to be more dangerous

A worshipper wearing a protective mask amid the Covid-19 pandemic attends Christmas morning mass at the Maronite Church of Saint Anthony of Padova in Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP

Lebanon has detected its first case of the mutated coronavirus, which has been spreading rapidly across southern England, on a flight from London, Health Minister Hamad Hassan said on Friday.

The new variant, which experts say is more contagious, was carried by a passenger on an incoming Middle East Airlines flight 202 from London on December 21.

"We ask travellers from the UK, particularly those on the said flight and their relatives, to be vigilant and to commit to precautionary measures," Mr Hassan said.

The virus has killed over 1,350 people since its outbreak in Lebanon in February with over 165,000 registered cases so far.

This week, President Michel Aoun approved the necessary funds to purchase the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine with the first batch expected to arrive in two months.

Last week, Lebanon eased Covid-19 related restrictions, allowing bars and nightclubs and restaurants to operate at a 50 per cent capacity during the holidays.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the country's economic and financial crisis amid a political paralysis that has left Lebanon without a fully functioning Cabinet since August.

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