A new variant of Covid-19 emerges in South Africa is named by health officials as ‘’Omicron’’. The World health organization had an urgent meeting to discuss the new variant. According to WHO, Omicron has an increased re-infection risk. Meanwhile, countries around the world are racing to introduce travel restrictions. Sources suggest hundreds of passengers arriving from South Africa in Amsterdam were tested for the new variant.
Also, 61 people on KLM flights test positive for Covid-19. Dutch officials say these passengers have been quarantine in a near hotel and suggested further tests. Meanwhile, Netherland is currently struggling with record-breaking cases. On Sunday evening, the partial lockdown starts.
New Omicron Variant
According to sources, a new omicron variant was first reported to WHO on 24 November from South Africa. Meanwhile, it also exist in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Israel. Additionally, more suspects reported in the Czech Republic and Germany on Saturday. German official from the state of Hesse tweeted that, the variant had most probably arrived in the country after ‘’ omicron-typical mutations’’ were found in someone coming from South Africa.
UK has banned all foreign travelers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini, except UK residents or Irish nationals. Meanwhile, the US has also blocked the flights coming from these countries.
Australian ban on flights
Meanwhile, on Saturday, announcement came to suspend flights from various countries for 14 days. These countries include South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, and Mozambique, and Seychelles.
Other countries including Japan, India, Brazil, Canada, and Thailand put restrictions on travelers from these countries fearing the spread of the new variant. WHO said the number of cases is increasing in almost all of South Africa’s provinces.
‘’ This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,’’ Furthermore, ‘’ the first known confirm case B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collection was on 9 November.’’
Though, WHO says it would take several weeks to understand the impact of the new variant. As scientists are working to determine how contagious it was. Top UK health officials warn that the new variant vaccines would ‘’almost certainly’’ be less effective. Professor James Naismith, a structural biologist from the University of Oxford added, ‘’ it is bad news but it’s not doomsday.’’
South African Health Minister Reaction on travel bans
Joe Phaahla, South African health minister told reporters that the ban on flights was ‘’unjustified’’. He said, ‘’ the reaction of some of the countries, in terms of imposing travel bans, and such measures, are completely against the norms and standards as guided by WHO’’.