A new variant of the coronavirus is believed to have been discovered in South Africa.
Britain chooses to ban entry from the country starting Friday.
Scientists in South Africa have discovered a new variant of the coronavirus that is raising concerns. The variant B.1.1.529 carries a very unusual constellation of mutations that could potentially evade the body's immune response and thus make the virus more contagious, it was revealed at a hastily convened press conference in Johannesburg on Thursday.
South Africa confirms around 100 samples of the variant, which has also been found in Botswana and Hong Kong.
Analyses from diagnostic laboratories indicate that the variant is spreading most rapidly in the populous province of Gauteng. However, according to researchers, it may occur in the country's other eight provinces.
”"Although data is limited, our experts are working overtime with all established surveillance systems to understand the new variant and what the potential consequences may be," South Africa's Institute for Communicable Diseases wrote in a statement.
The United Kingdom announced late Thursday that South Africa is being redlisted in the country's travel restrictions.
Flights from South Africa and five other countries will be temporarily suspended from midday on Friday, with British citizens returning from the countries required to self-quarantine.
The current countries that the UK is pointing out are, in addition to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland (Eswatini), Zimbabwe and Botswana.
”"Earlier indications show that this variant is more contagious than delta, and that the vaccines we have today are less effective against the new variant," says British Health Minister Sajid Javid.
British health authorities say that they have not yet found any traces of the virus variant in the UK.
Source: TT
