Omicron variant spreads across Europe as new travel bans take effect
As the latest type of concern spreads around the world, the ohmron strain of the coronavirus is emerging in Europe, with cases detected in two in the UK, two in Germany and at least one in Italy.
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A number of countries, including the United States, have instituted travel bans to South Africa and seven other South African countries, where the rapidly circulating new species was first identified on November 24. Extra tests and self-isolation measures are also in place for travelers from these countries.
Two people arrived at Germany's Munich airport on Wednesday, according to a statement by the Bavarian Ministry of Health and Care. He says 50 more people who arrived from Cape Town on Friday are in quarantine.
At least two people in the UK have the omicron variant, Health Minister Sajid Javid said on Saturday. People are isolated at home.
A case has also been identified by health authorities in Italy, according to Corriere della Sera, a leading daily newspaper.
Cases have also been reported in a relatively short period of time in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.
In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has so far not identified any cases of the fast-spreading strain.
A White House official said on Saturday that President Biden has been briefed on the latest information on the ohmron variant.
"At the same time, senior health officials and the COVID response team are monitoring the latest updates on micron and are in regular contact with health authorities around the world," he said.
Tighter travel restriction and testing guide announced
Concern over the rapid spread of the variant led to travel restrictions from many countries in South Africa. The Biden administration announced a travel restriction for non-US citizens from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi from Monday. The State Department has also issued "do not travel" warnings for US citizens.
The European Union has also announced plans to suspend travel from South Africa and other southern African countries.
In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced additional requirements for travelers at a press conference on Saturday.
Johnson said all travelers entering the country will need to have a PCR test at the end of the second day after arrival and isolate themselves until they get a negative result.
"As we learn more, we need to take targeted and proportionate action as a precaution," Johnson said. Said. In part, he added, the effort is a way to buy scientists more time as they try to learn more about the variant.
Johnson also thanked scientists in South Africa who identified and shared information about the new variant "widely and immediately".
Additional measures Johnson announced on Saturday include the wearing of face masks once again in stores and on public transport, and mandating that anyone who tests positive for the omycron variant be isolated for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status.
WHO says mutations of the omicron variant are related
The Omicron variant is the first new variant of concern since the delta variant that swept the world earlier this summer, causing an increase in infections and deaths, particularly among the unvaccinated population. The Delta strain was twice as contagious as the original COVID-19 virus.
While a number of studies continue to evaluate the omicron variant, the World Health Organization says the number of mutations in this variant is "relevant" and may suggest an "increased risk of reinfection."
WHO also says that existing COVID-19 tests are able to identify this omicron variant, and that's how authorities can monitor how fast the variant is spreading. But health officials from WHO said it could take "days to weeks" to learn more and study the variant.
Exactly how quickly the variant spreads and whether current vaccines can prevent infection is still unclear. But the director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins told NPR: "Let me be clear, there is currently no data to suggest that current vaccines will not work."
In the meantime, WHO says people must continue to take steps to reduce their exposure to infection and reduce the spread of the virus. This includes wearing a mask and getting vaccinated when it's your turn.
Collins also recommends that people who are six months away from being fully vaccinated get a booster vaccine.