WHO concerned about new coronavirus strain discovered in Africa, numerous countries already impose restrictions

(Patria) - The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting about a new coronavirus strain discovered in Africa, which may have an increased number of mutations.

The new strain was discovered in South Africa, and the European Union and the United Kingdom have decided to tighten entry controls from that country, as scientists try to determine whether this mutation is resistant to existing COVID-19 vaccines.

This variant, B.1.1.529, has also been named by WHO after a Greek letter, in this case – omicron. It is the fifth coronavirus strain to receive a name.

WHO announced that it will take weeks to determine how effective existing vaccines are against the new variant.

Earlier, Tulio de Oliveira, director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation in South Africa, conveyed to WHO representatives his concern regarding the COVID variant B.1.1.529, which is feared to be the worst COVID variant identified so far.

During yesterday's press conference, Tulio de Oliveira stated that the new strain has a very large number of mutations, which carries a risk of rapid disease spread.

According to the latest data, a total of 77 people in South Africa have been diagnosed with this coronavirus variant. It has also been recorded in four people in Botswana and one in Hong Kong (a person who arrived from South Africa).

Some world leaders immediately reacted to the news of the new strain, announcing new precautionary measures and travel restrictions, while stock markets worldwide experienced a decline driven by uncertainty.

Austria today tightened entry rules due to the emergence of the new coronavirus strain in southern Africa. The Ministry of Health announced that entry is banned for travellers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Eswatini, countries included in regions with the new strain.

Only Austrian citizens can enter Austria from these countries, but under strict quarantine measures – a ten-day quarantine, a PCR test upon entry, and registration. Additionally, a landing ban is imposed for flights from these seven African countries.

Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg emphasised that the new strain is cause for concern.

“We are reacting quickly and consistently. Mandatory quarantine for travellers from this part of Africa should help slow the global spread of the new strain,” he said.

Italy and the Czech Republic have also banned entry for individuals who have visited a group of southern African countries in the last 14 days, including South Africa.

Due to the new variant, the United Kingdom has placed six African countries on the red list. Travellers from these countries will be subject to mandatory quarantine.

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced today that the first case of the new coronavirus strain has been confirmed in the country, in a traveller returning from Malawi. The traveller and two other individuals suspected of being infected have been placed in isolation, AP reports.