The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this Friday that a new mutation of the coronavirus it is a “variant of concern.”
The variant, which was called the omicron, was reported to the WHO for the first time from South Africa on November 24, according to the BBC.
Formerly known as B.1.1.529, it was also identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Israel.
The WHO said in a statement on Friday that preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant.
The organization said the number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces.
“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are worrisome,” he said.
Several countries, including the United States and the European Union, announced restrictions on travel from southern Africa.
“The WHO has identified a new variant of covid that is spreading through South Africa. As a precaution until we have more information, I am ordering restrictions on air travel from South Africa and seven other countries, “said US President Joe Biden on Friday.
The restrictions apply to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, and Malawi.
What does “variant of concern” mean?
By James Gallagher, BBC Health and Science Correspondent
A “variant of concern” is the highest category within the list of variants of covid created by the World Health Organization.
The decision adds weight to the growing scientific concern about the dangerousness of this new variant, but does not change any of the facts.
The variant has a staggering collection of mutations that are believed to increase its ability to spread and circumvent some, but not all, of the protection of vaccines.
However, we still do not have clear data on its impact in real life.
We don’t know for sure if it spreads faster, makes vaccines or medications less effective, or leads to more serious disease.
We will talk a lot about omicron in the next few weeks.
Travel restriction
It is not uncommon for a virus to change or mutate over time.
A variant becomes a variant of concern when that mutation can affect the transmissibility, virulence, or effectiveness of vaccines, among other things.
The WHO said it will take a few weeks to understand the impact of the new variant, while scientists work to determine how communicable it is.
The WHO warned of hasty travel restrictions and said they should seek a “scientific and risk-based approach.”
However, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the EU countries, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, Kenya and Singapore temporarily suspended the arrival of foreign travelers from some southern African countries.
The president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, affirmed that he will take “rational measures” in the face of the appearance of the new variant and once again demonstrated against the measures of social isolation.
“Anything can happen. A new variant, a new virus. But Brazil and the world cannot endure a new confinement, it would condemn everyone to misery, which also leads to death, ”said the president this Friday after a military event in Rio de Janeiro.
South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the flight bans are “unjustified.”
“The reaction of some of the countries, in terms of imposing travel bans, is completely against the norms and standards recommended by the WHO,” he said.
Equity markets around the world also fell sharply on Friday, reflecting investor fears about the possible economic impact of the new variant.
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