In a bid to contain a new strain of the virus identified in South Africa, the United Kingdom has extended a travel ban to travelers from 11 African countries.
Recently a new SARS-CoV-2 variant was detected in South Africa. The new COVID-19 strain appears to transmit more easily and is likely linked to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 infections in the country.
According to the UK department for transport, travelers who have visited the restricted countries within the past 10 days will be denied entry into England.
“Entry into England will be banned to those who have travelled from or through any southern African country in the last 10 days, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola – as well as Seychelles and Mauritius.
“Israel (and Jerusalem) would be removed from the list of travel corridors for England and people arriving from January 9 from Botswana, Israel (and Jerusalem), Mauritius or Seychelles would need to self-isolate.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa is keenly concerned about the new SARS-CoV-2 variant detected in South Africa.
He noted that although the variant is not uncommon, it’s potential for easy and high-speed transmission is worrisome.
“The emergence of new COVID-19 variants is common. However, those with a higher speed of transmission or potentially increased pathogenicity are very concerning. Crucial investigations are underway to comprehensively understand the behaviour of the new mutant virus and steer response accordingly,” he said.
- Breaking: Ohanaeze President General, George Obiozor, confirmed dead - December 28, 2022
- US to support NDLEA on improved intelligence gathering capacity - December 27, 2022
- Why diversified HIV/AIDS prevention tools matter for women - December 26, 2022
