New cases of the omicron virus variant are being detected around the world while governments are considering new measures.
Australia, which has had some of the world's strictest restrictions during the pandemic, reports two cases. Israel has chosen to close its border completely.
The new virus variant Omicron is spreading rapidly around the world. Many countries have imposed entry bans on travelers from South Africa and neighboring countries in an attempt to slow the spread.
Australia has detected its first two cases of omicron, in people who traveled from southern Africa to Sydney on Saturday.
Israel has also confirmed cases of omicron and announces a total ban on all foreigners entering the country starting Sunday evening. The entry ban must be approved by the entire government before it goes into effect.
Israel's borders will be closed for 14 days. The hope is that in the meantime there will be more information about how effective the Covid vaccine is against omicron.
Our working hypothesis is that the variant is already present in almost all countries and that the vaccine is effective, although we do not yet know to what degree, says Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked.
Israelis entering the country are subject to mandatory quarantine. An entry ban for foreigners traveling from most African countries was introduced on Friday.
Several other countries have confirmed cases of omicron, including Denmark.
”"We now have the first cases of the new virus variant omicron in Denmark, and therefore, based on a precautionary principle, we recommend a test for everyone in connection with entry from a stay in South Africa or the six neighboring countries," the Danish Agency for Patient Safety writes in an email.
The UK is reintroducing face mask requirements in shops and public transport after two cases of omicron were confirmed in the country. Both are linked to travel from southern Africa.
Right now is "This is a responsible way to slow the spread of the new variant and maximize our protection," says Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
All arrivals to the UK will be required to take a PCR test and isolate themselves while awaiting results. The country will also speed up vaccinations with a third dose.
Cases of omicron have also been detected in Germany, Italy, Belgium and Hong Kong.
In the Netherlands, around 60 people who arrived on two flights from South Africa have been isolated after testing positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Amsterdam. Test results on whether they are infected with the omicron variant are expected on Sunday.
Tougher restrictions have already come into effect in the Netherlands, due to the high spread of infection in the country.
Researchers in South Africa were the first to identify the new virus variant. South Africa has been critical of the swift measures taken to restrict travel to and from the country, saying the restrictions are a punishment for its scientists' success in identifying new variants.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on the same page and in a statement praises "South African researchers for the rapid identification of the omicron variant and the South African government for its transparency in sharing this information, which should serve as a model for the world.".
The statement can be interpreted as thinly veiled criticism of China's handling of information about the original outbreak of COVID-19. The US has criticized China for its lack of cooperation.
US President Joe Biden says richer countries should donate more vaccines and give up patents to manufacture more doses worldwide.
The news of this new variant should show more clearly than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations, he says.
Source: TT
