Coronavirus: Kiwi nurse living in the United Kingdom dies from COVID-19

A New Zealand nurse working in the United Kingdom has died of COVID-19.

Barclay Mason was a senior charge nurse at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex and had worked there for 20 years.

Hospital management confirmed his death alongside a statement from his family, who said they were at a loss for words over his death.

"The sadness we feel is more than words can express. The most amazing man in our life, father to our children, has died," the family said.

"He leaves behind committed colleagues and friends who are shocked but who continue to go to work every day with compassion and care for their patients, just as Barclay did.

"Colleagues and friends from the PAH Emergency Department and East of England Ambulance Service will hold a special place in our hearts as they were Barclay's UK family."

Mason, who has family in Christchurch, leaves behind two daughters.

Princess Alexandra Hospital chief executive Lance McCarthy said Mason will be remembered for his commitment to patient care, his kindness, and as a valued friend and colleague.

"Our thoughts are with Barclay's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time."

Mason's death comes as a new strain of the virus puts a scare into the UK government, and Essex and London have been placed into an emergency lockdown as a result.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Monday (local time) that the "news on the spread is not good".

The new strain was previously found in Danish mink, which were recently culled and buried in their thousands.

The United Kingdom has seen a spike in cases since October, but the government still wants schools to stay open - even though some have already closed early. The spike also isn't stopping families from reuniting for Christmas either.

"Families which wish to get together have to be very, very careful," Hancock said. 'In particular, incredibly careful when they are around someone who is vulnerable."

The UK has recorded nearly 1.9 million cases and 64,500 deaths so far.