Chilean gov't confirms first case of new coronavirus strain detected in UK

SANTIAGO - The Chilean government confirmed on Tuesday the country's first case of the new coronavirus strain found in the United Kingdom.

The Chilean Undersecretary of Public Health, Paula Daza, said at a press conference that on Dec 22, a Chilean passenger arrived on a flight from Madrid of Spain, and tested positive after taking a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport.

"She spent a week in London visiting relatives and on Dec 23, she tested positive," the official said.

After further analysis, it was determined that she carried the new coronavirus strain, which UK authorities say is transmitted more easily and quickly.

"All precautionary measures have been taken and the patient is now in her local hospital," Daza added.

She also announced a new measure requiring all Chileans and foreigners who enter the South American country to quarantine for 10 days starting on Dec 31.

On Tuesday, the Chilean Ministry of Health reported 1,958 new cases and 45 deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, for a total of 603,986 infections and 16,488 deaths since February.