Update:Biden, President of the United States, has spoken out about this variant. Twitter: Take it to TwitterTo read more: “The @WHO has identified a new COVID variant which is spreading through Southern Africa. As a precautionary measure until we have more information, I am ordering air travel restrictions from South Africa and seven other countries. As we move forward, we will continue to be guided by what the science and my medical team advises. For now the best way to strengthen your protection if you’re already vaccinated is to get a booster shot, immediately. For those not yet fully vaccinated: get vaccinated today. For the world community: this news is a reminder that this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations. The U.S. has already donated more vaccines to other countries than every other country combined. It is time for other countries to match our speed and generosity.”
Previously:A COVID variant called B.1.1.529, has rapidly disrupted international travel and rocked the economy. This new, mutating variant has sparked fears and panic. Considered to be more contagiousAfter being closed on Thanksgiving Day, the DOW opened Friday morning with a drop of 900 points or 2.5%.
Several countries closed travel to South Africa immediately after the variant was discovered. These included Bahrain, Belgium and France, Germany, France, Germany. It also had a negative impact on foreign financial markets.
South African scientists will meet with W.H.O. Experts today will reveal the details they have on B.1.1.529. Because it is so new, scientists aren’t yet sure how vaccines will react against the variant. There are currently only a few cases of B.1.1.529 in South Africa and Botswana.
South Africa demanded more time, despite the fast movement of countries such as the U.K. to ban travel. “rushed” action is taken.
“Whilst South Africa respects the right of all countries to take the necessary precautionary measures to protect their citizens, the UK’s decision to temporarily ban South Africans from entering the UK seems to have been rushed as even the World Health Organization is yet to advise on the next steps,”The South Africa Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation published via A statement can be found on their website. “Minister Naledi Pandor said: ‘Our immediate concern is the damage that this decision will cause to both the tourism industries and businesses of both countries.’”
Sajid Javid (UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care) gave a statement today to Parliament, describing what they have learned so far.
“We are concerned that this new variant may pose a substantial risk to public health,”He stated. “The variant has an unusually large number of mutations. Yesterday, the UK Health Security Agency classified B.1.1.529 as a new Variant Under Investigation and the Variant Technical Group has designated it as a Variant Under Investigation with Very High Priority. It’s the only variant with this designation, making it higher priority than Beta. It shares many of the features of the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants. Early indications show this variant may be more transmissible than the Delta variant and current vaccines may be less effective against it.”
This news was first reported by The New York Times.