In a recent development, on Thursday, November 25, scientists in South Africa have identified a concerning and worrisome new variant of the coronavirus.
About the Variant and its identified cases
In the last two days, scientists have detected the ‘B1.1.529’ variant after continual observations of an upsurge in infections in South Africa.
The variant, B1.1.529 has a range of unusual mutations and is spreading rapidly from its first detections in Botswana and South Africa, as stated by reports.
According to South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases, 22 confirmed positive cases have so far been identified in the country. Meanwhile, a positive case has been detected in Hong Kong from someone who had traveled to South Africa.
Flights banned from Southern African nations
Britain has already closed its borders, and banned flights starting at noon local time on Friday, from six Southern African nations, namely South Africa, Botwsana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, citing the reason to be the new variant. It is a precautionary measure, as of now, no cases have yet been detected, in Britain.
Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of the UK, tweeted, “More data is needed but we’re taking precautions now”.
The six nations will be added to the country’s red list, which would require British travelers coming from the specified nations to quarantine on arrival.
