WHO Names New Variant Of Concern ‘Omicron,’ U.S. Issues Travel Ban
The U.S. and Canada are banning and restricting travel from southern Africa after the World Health Organization named a new, potentially more infectious COVID-19 variant that’s been spreading in the region.
On Friday the WHO announced the new B.1.1.529 coronavirus, discovered in Botswana, was a variant of concern and named it the “omicron” variant, after a Greek letter.
President Joe Biden announced the U.S. will restrict travel from foreign nationals coming from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi. The rules won’t apply to American citizens and permanent residents.
Meanwhile Canada announced a swath of restrictions, banning foreign nationals who’ve traveled to the aforementioned countries in the last 14 days. Additionally, people who’ve been to those countries in the last 14 days must get tested prior to re-entering Canada and quarantine for 14 days upon their return.
Because there are no direct flights between Canada and southern Africa, Canadians and permanent residents returning will have to get tested where their layover is located.
Following a meeting in Geneva Friday, the WHO released a statement saying “infections have increased steeply” in South Africa in recent weeks, coinciding with the discovery of the omicron variant.
“Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other [variants of concern],” the WHO said.
The organization called for countries to enhance their surveillance and reporting surrounding the omicron.
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via https://www.DMT.NEWS
Manisha Krishnan, Khareem Sudlow
