Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has tested positive for the new coronavirus variant.

Sarkissian was tested in London, where he had gone for foot surgery and to welcome in the New Year with family. 

Sarkissian, according to a statement released by his office, has self-isolated in London and will continue to function as Armenian president via virtual communication with Yerevan. The surgery was successful.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, multiple COVID-19 variants are circulating globally.

In the United Kingdom (UK), a new variant has emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant seems to spread more easily and quickly than other variants. Currently, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increased risk of death.

This variant was first detected in September 2020 and is now highly prevalent in London and southeast England. It has since been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the United States and Canada.