The discovery of a new Covid-19 variant first discovered in South Africa has led many countries to impose travel restrictions on at least six African countries.
Now known as B.1.1.529, the newly identified variant appears to be spreading rapidly in parts of South Africa, and scientists are concerned that its unusually high mutation numbers could cause it is more contagious and leads to immune evasion.
Here are the countries that have announced restrictions so far:
- Italy
- Shirt
- France
- Japan
- UK
- Singapore
- Netherlands
- Malta
- Malaysia
- Morocco
- Philippines
- Dubai
- Jordan
While there are only dozens New cases of infection have been identified so far, they have been detected in South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, Israel and Belgium.
The waterfall is closed starting late Thursday when UK announced the suspension of flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Japan tightened border controls on travelers from the same six countries, imposing a 10-day quarantine starting at 12 a.m. on November 27.
Member States of the European Union Austria, France, Italy, Netherlands and Malta All have announced an impending entry ban on all travelers who have been to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini in the past two weeks.
Singapore has chosen to ban all non-residents from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe from entry, while citizens and permanent residents returning from any of these countries will be required to service request Notice 10 days at home (SHN). Malaysia also took the same steps.
While, Germany plans to declare South Africa a “virus variant” from Friday evening, which means airlines can only enter from the country to repatriate German nationals.
Philippines Domestic flights have been suspended with immediate effect from South Africa and six other countries due to concerns about the new variant, according to the president’s office. Visitors, including Filipino citizens, from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique have been banned until December 15.
Starting Monday, Dubai will limit travelers from seven African countries – including South Africa – according to Emirates, citing the country’s Covid-19 Command and Control Center.
Jordan announced that any Jordanians arriving from a number of countries – including South Africa – will be required to quarantine for 14 days, according to a report from Jordan’s public broadcaster Al-Mamlaka on Friday. Non-Jordanians traveling from South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana will only be allowed entry if they spend 14 days outside those countries in a third country, according to the report. Al-Mamlaka, quoted from the country’s Interior Ministry. The new measure will take effect from November 28.
David McKenzie reports:
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