Upon the detection of a new vaccine-resistant variant of the Corona virus in South Africa, many European and Asian countries began to close their borders to some African countries.
While England decided to stop flights from South Africa and neighboring countries, it also imposed a quarantine obligation on British citizens returning from these countries. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that European Union countries are also preparing to stop travels from the region.
While experts were trying to obtain information about the new variant detected at the beginning of the week, the concern about the spread of new travel restrictions negatively affected global markets and oil prices. Economic impacts are expected to be more severe, especially in fragile African countries.
“Scientists say it’s the most effective variant ever seen,” British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News after the decision to suspend flights from South Africa. It is not known exactly how the vaccines will protect against the new variant, but in the statement made by the British Health Safety Agency, it was noted that the structural difference in the new variant raises concerns in terms of the protection of the vaccines.
WHO is meeting
The World Health Organization is also holding an evaluation meeting on the subject today. The risks posed by the new variant will be discussed at the meeting.
Some experts point out that even now it may be too late to impose travel restrictions on the region.
However, the authorities of the Republic of South Africa announced that they will meet with the UK government again today to reconsider the travel restriction decision.
While Italy has imposed a travel ban on people coming from the countries of the region and who have been in the region in the last 14 days, Germany announced that it will declare the region a risky area.
Asian countries also increase measures
It is stated that the variant with the code B.1.1.529 is also seen in Botswana outside of South Africa.
India, one of the Asian countries, announced that it was decided to tighten the controls for people coming from South Africa and its surrounding countries. Singapore was another country that decided to stop flights from the region. Japan has also decided to increase controls for travel from South Africa and 5 regional countries. Taiwan announced that those coming from the countries of the region will be put into mandatory quarantine.