A HEREFORD cafe has closed with immediate effect due to fresh concerns over the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.

De Koffie Pot, next to the river Wye in the city centre, will be temporarily closed until at least January, its owners said on Sunday.

The cafe, along with the Left Bank venue, said the new strain of Covid-19 is a cause for concern and also cancelled the planned event for New Year's Eve.

"As the largest venue in Hereford, we take our responsibilities extremely seriously," The Left Bank said.

"We feel that the correct course of action as the Covid virus mutates and perhaps intensifies within the UK is to close the Left Bank Village and De Koffie Pot with immediate effect. We will reopen in the New Year when we feel safe to do so.

"This means that our New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Left Bank are cancelled. However, subject to council approval, we will set off a fabulous firework display at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

"The display will be from a secret location, and spectators can only witness the display from their homes. Enjoy a drink at home, and let out a big cheer for the NHS at midnight. Stay home and stay safe."

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The new variant coronavirus can spread more rapidly, England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has said.

He stressed that there was currently no evidence that the new strain causes higher mortality rates or affected vaccines and treatments.

However, the Government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, warned the new variant was becoming the dominant strain, with a rapid rise in cases in recent days.

It comes just a day after coronavirus restrictions were relaxed in Herefordshire as the county moved down from tier 2 to tier 1.

It means that people are now able to meet up to six others indoors and outdoors, and pubs can serve alcohol without a substantial meal.