- South African Health Minister, Joseph Phaahla has stated that scientists from the network for genomic surveillance have observed a new variant of COVID 19 B.1.1529.
- The development has become a matter of concern because of its high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.
South African Health Minister, Joseph Phaahla has stated that scientists from the network for genomic surveillance have observed a new variant of COVID 19 B.1.1529. The development has become a matter of concern because of its high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province. The unusual mutations in the new variant have been identified in 22 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in South Africa. South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) issued a statement on the new variant, stating that their experts are studying the variant and it’s potential implications. Experts have observed that the variant has the potential to spread very fast that can put pressure on South Africa’s healthcare system in the next few days and weeks
Subsequently, UK has announced its intentions to suspend flights from six southern African countries including South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana from 1200 GMT Friday 26 November 2021. Several member states of the European Union are also hastening to stop international flights from the region to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus variant.
World Health Organization (WHO) officials had emergency meetings on the variant. Experts feel that it could affect transmissibility and immune response.
