Belgium has confirmed a case of the new COVID variant called B.1.1.529 as nations around the globe begin to shut their borders to several African nations, where the variant has been found.
Key points:
- Dr Anthony Fauci says the US is considering a travel ban for some African nations
- The new COVID variant was detected in Belgium
- Several European nations have banned flights from seven African nations where the new variant has been found
Virologist Marc Van Ranst, whose laboratory works closely with Belgium’s public health body Sciensano, said on Twitter that the variant was found in a traveller returning to Belgium from Egypt on November 11.
The news of the positive case came after nations started banning incoming flights from parts of southern Africa.
The United Kingdom temporarily banned flights from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini on Friday.
Several other European nations then followed suit.
The European Commission recommended all 27 member nations impose travel restrictions on African nations with the new variant.
Spain followed the directive by suspending flights from South Africa and Botswana.
Italy’s health ministry announced measures to ban entry into Italy of anyone who has been in seven southern African nations — South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini — in the past 14 days.
Denmark banned non-essential travel to southern Africa
Germany said a flight ban could be imposed as early as Friday night, local time, and the Netherlands also hinted at similar measures.
Away from Europe, Israel also imposed a travel ban covering most of Africa.
“We are currently on the verge of a state of emergency,” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said.
Under the broader restrictions, all African nations, except those in North Africa, were added to Israel’s “red list” of high-risk countries.
In Asia, Japan and the Philippines imposed new travel restrictions.
The Philippines announced flights from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique are banned until December 15.
Despite the bans the World Health Organization cautioned countries from doing so too quickly.
“At this point, implementing travel measures is being cautioned against,” WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said.
US considering travel ban, says Fauci
Top US infectious disease official Dr Anthony Fauci said a ban on flights from southern Africa was a possibility and the United States was rushing to gather data on the new COVID-19 variant.
“There is always the possibility of doing what the UK has done, namely block travel from South Africa and related countries,” Dr Fauci told CNN.
“Obviously as soon as we find out more information we’ll make a decision as quickly as we possibly can.”
Mr Fauci said US scientists would speak with South African counterparts on Friday about the new variant but also said there was no evidence the variant had arrived in the US.
Wires/ABC
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