Britain Faces Travel Bans Amid Soaring Delta Variant Infections    

LONDON - Several countries have imposed restrictions on travelers from Britain amid rising cases of the delta variant of the coronavirus which was first detected in India.    

Hong Kong has banned all passenger flights from Britain starting Thursday, while some European countries are imposing tighter restrictions.    Scientists say the delta mutation is up to 60% more infectious than the alpha variant, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and makes up around 95% of new cases in Britain. They warn it is likely to become the dominant strain around the world later this year.    Britain recorded over 26,000 new coronavirus infections Wednesday, the highest level since late January. However, hospitalizations and deaths have risen at a much lower rate, suggesting the vaccination program is working.