The newest Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, is the reason for the latest travel bans implemented against South Africa, with some countries alleging the strain first emerged here.
However, news of cases predating South African scientists’ announcement of samples detected in the country has emerged from the Netherlands, leading many to criticise European authorities for their seemingly panic-induced reactions to the new strain.
The Dutch health authority said the Omicron variant was discovered in two local cases dating 19 and 23 November, according to The Guardian, which was before the country cited South African nationals who tested positive as their first cases. South African authorities announced the variant’s presence in Gauteng on 24 November.
Other countries have since also detected the strain. Japan confirmed a case on 30 November in a tourist from Namibia after banning all international tourists.
The United Kingdom was the first to ban southern African countries from entering after the discovery of the Omicron variant. Several other countries followed suit soon after.
‘The fact that the UK government has once again red-listed South Africa following the discovery of a new Covid variant is a setback of massive proportions for the South African travel industry,’ Association Of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) CEO Otto de Vries said on Friday according to Daily Maverick.
‘The new ban is a knee-jerk reaction of the UK government that puts airlines, hotels, travel businesses and travellers in a very difficult situation,’ he added.
Picture: Getaway gallery
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