United Kingdom Suspends Incoming Flights from 6 African Countries

South Africa's National Institute of Infectious Diseases said – So far 22 cases of this variant have been found in the country.
United Kingdom Suspends Incoming Flights from 6 African Countries

The danger is increasing due to the new variant of Corona found in South Africa and Botswana. In view of this, WHO has called an emergency meeting on Friday. British scientists also warned about the new variant found in Botswana. There are 32 mutations in it, due to which even the vaccine is not effective against it. This variant is spreading rapidly by modifying its spike protein. The matter of danger for India is that the new strain has reached Hong Kong.

South Africa's National Institute of Infectious Diseases said – So far 22 cases of this variant have been found in the country. Scientists have named it B.1.1.529. It has been described as a variant of serious concern. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, technical head of the Corona case at WHO, said – We have not received much information about this variant. Due to multiple mutations, the behaviour of the virus is changing and this is a matter of concern.

Britain's tough stand

In view of the danger of the new variant, the UK has currently banned flights coming from 6 countries of Africa. These include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini. UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said – The country's health agency is investigating the new variant. We need more data, but we are taking precautions. These 6 African countries will be put on the Red List and travellers coming to Britain will have to stay in Quarantine.

New variant also found in Hong Kong

Infection of this variant has also been found in people who reached Hong Kong from South Africa. The new variant was first detected in 2 people staying at the Regal Airport hotel. According to Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP), the investigation has revealed that both the cases are of B.1.1. The first person wore a mask with an air valve and it was because of this mask that the virus got infected in the second person.

Alert issued in India too

All airports have been instructed to screen passengers arriving from Hong Kong and Botswana. The central government has instructed the states to take special vigilance. States have been asked to thoroughly screen travellers arriving from South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana. In a letter to the states and UTs, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said – samples found positive should be sent to the Genome Sequencing Laboratory immediately. The country's National Center for Disease Control has also warned about this variant.

Germany banned travel to South Africa

Germany has also decided to ban the travel of citizens to and from South Africa. Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Friday – the new rules will come into effect from Friday night, travel bans can also be imposed on countries around Africa. Despite being vaccinated, citizens of Germany will have to stay in quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country.

Vaccine validity will be 9 months in Europe

The European Union has proposed increasing the validity of the vaccine to 9 months for people travelling between member countries. After the validity is over, people will be required to take a booster dose. It has also been said in the proposal to give exemption in Covid rules to the vaccinated people.

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