It is feared that the current vaccines have little effect against the new variant. A new coronavirus variant with the code “B.1.1.529” has emerged in South Africa, which is mutated in large numbers and is therefore worried about the high risk of transmission. South Africa’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases stated that this variant was detected in 22 cases on Thursday, noting that there may be other cases. The Institute stated that genome analysis of the variant is ongoing to understand the genetic makeup of the virus.
The institute stressed that although data are limited, experts are working hard to understand what the new variant is and the complications associated with it. South African Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, also called on South Africans to wear masks, pay attention to social distance and get vaccinated, using the words “The main thing is that this invisible enemy is unpredictable”.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also investigating whether the variant falls under the category of “variant of concern”. Noting that her research continues, WHO expert Marie van Kerkhove said that it may take a few weeks to understand what the effects of the variant might be. Stating that the virus has many mutations, Kerkhove stated that although it is not clear yet, the virus can change its behavior and informed that the effects of current vaccines and drugs are also being evaluated.
WHO had previously described Delta as a “variant of concern”.
Israel and UK suspend flights
On the other hand, the UK and Israel suspended flights from neighboring countries along with South Africa. Israel, which has put South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Esvatini on the “red countries” list, announced that foreigners who want to travel from these countries will not be able to enter the country. In a statement made by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office, it was stated that Israelis from these countries also have to quarantine in a corona hotel for up to 14 days. If the PCR test to be done one week after the quarantine gives a negative result, the quarantine can be ended.
The UK has also limited flights from Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Esvatini and Namibia along with South Africa due to the new variant. Health Minister Sajid Javid announced that those who will travel to the UK from these countries have to enter a strict hotel quarantine. Javid stated that there are findings that the variant in question is more contagious than Delta and that the current vaccines are less effective.
Helge Braun, Head of the Office of the Prime Minister in Germany, said that Germany could also stop flights from countries in the south of Africa in a short time, and scientists were alarmed.
dpa,Reuters/HS,UK
© Deutsche Welle English