Covid: South Africa ‘punished’ for inventing a new version of Omicron
South Africa has complained that they are being punished – rather than applauded – for discovering the Omicron, a worrying new version of Covid-19. The State Department made the statement because countries worldwide. Were restricting travel from South African countries when distribution details were known.
Preliminary evidence suggests that Omicron has a higher risk of reinfection. (WHO) said that the new option was seen as a “concern.”
Several cases have been identified in Europe, including two in the UK and one in Belgium. Several suspected cases were also found in Germany and the Czech Republic.
New versions were also found in Botswana, Hong Kong, and Israel.
Hundreds of passengers arriving in the Netherlands from South Africa will be tested on the new option. About 61 people from two KLM flights tested positive for Covid-19. And were quarantined at a hotel near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport while they underwent additional tests, Dutch officials said.
The Netherlands is currently struggling with a record spike in cases. As a result, the extended partial lockdown will take effect there Sunday evening. The new version of Omicron was first announced to WHO from South Africa on 24 November.
In South Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Saturday, the travel ban was sharply criticized. “Great science should be praised, not punished,” he said. The ban was “similar to punishing South Africa for its improved genome sequence and ability to discover new variants quickly.”
The statement added that the response was completely different as new options were discovered elsewhere in the world.
Several countries announced new measures on Friday and Saturday:
- Travelers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia. Lesotho, and Eswatini cannot enter the United Kingdom unless they are British or Irish citizens or residents of the United Kingdom.
- US officials said foreigners would be barred from entering South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi, mirroring previous EU measures. They take effect on Monday.
- Australia announced on Saturday that flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Seychelles, Malawi, and Mozambique would be suspended for 14 days. In addition, non-Australians who have been in these countries in the past two weeks are now prohibited from entering Australia.
- Japan said passengers from most of South Africa should be quarantined for ten days starting Saturday and complete four tests during that time.
- India has implemented stricter controls and tests on South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong passengers.
- Canada bans all foreigners who have traveled through South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, or Mozambique in the last 14 days.