RISING CASES OF NEW COVID-19 OMICRON VARIANT
The new wave of COVID-19 variant rampaging the southern African countries spread a new scare around the world
There has been a surge in the reported cases of the new Covid-19 Omicron variant since first discovered in South Africa on the 14th of November.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday via a statement said that the variant has a large number of mutations which are of serious "concern". The statement also reveals that new cases are spreading fast in multiple areas in Southern Africa.
Several cases have now been identified in European countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Italy and a suspected new case in Czech Republic. Also here in Africa, the variant has been detected in Botswana while in Asia, it's been detected in Hong Kong and Israel.
The Netherlands is currently facing a record-breaking surge in new cases as dozens of travellers arriving on flights from South Africa test positive for Covid-19. The new arrivals have been subsequently quarantined at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam.
Due to this development, The UK has placed new travel bans on South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Lesotho and Eswatini.
According to statement British Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, released earlier today, the 2 cases of the new variant in the UK were also linked to flights from South Africa.
He also reveals that the "early indications show this variant may be more transmissible than Delta variant and current vaccines may be less effective against it".
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