UK tightens curbs amid new strain of virus

LONDON — British authorities put more areas of England under the tightest restrictions Wednesday as officials struggled to slow the spread of a coronavirus variant that is potentially more infectious than those that have already wreaked havoc around the world.

The French government lifted a 48-hour blockade of the British border that was aimed at preventing the new variant from spreading. But the effort Wednesday to get traffic moving descended into chaos as officials struggled to carry out the tests required for thousands of drivers stuck at English ports to leave the country.

By Wednesday night, traffic began to move again, according to the BBC. But more than 5,000 Europebound trucks were still jammed near the port of Dover. Frustrated drivers fumed over the prospect of a fourth night sleeping in their vehicles. One transport company said its drivers had to throw away more than 100,000 pounds of spoiled food.

The most pressing concern, British officials said, was slowing the rapid spread of the virus, which they attributed to the efficiency of the new variant. Britain reported 39,237 cases Wednesday, up 56% from a week ago, according to a The New York Times database.

The number of people in the hospital — nearly 19,000 — is close to where it was at the peak of the outbreak in the spring. And 744 deaths were reported Wednesday.

Areas in southern and eastern England are set to move to the highest level of restrictions starting Saturday, joining London and much of southeastern England.

The rules require people to stay at home except for urgent travel, medical appointments and outdoor exercise.

FRANKAUGSTEIN/AP Police stand in front of an electronic sign Wednesday near the Port of Dover in England.