A new Coronavirus variant has been detected in Southern Africa that has scientists concerned because it is significantly developed, and unlike other variants that often die out, this one has been rapidly spreading.
The variant has governments across the world so worried that travel from Africa to Europe, Israel and other parts of the world is already being restricted. The New York Times writes:
In the past, governments have taken days, weeks or months to issue travel restrictions in response to new variants. This time, restrictions came within hours of South Africa’s announcement — at least 10 countries around the world had announced measures before South African scientists had finished a meeting with World Health Organization experts about the variant on Friday.
The Washington Post adds:
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the proposal Friday morning on Twitter and said she is coordinating with the bloc’s 27 member states.
Reuters adds South Africa think the decision by Britain to ban flights from six southern African countries seems rushed.
“The foreign ministry said South Africa would speak to Britain to try to get it to reconsider its restrictions, and President Cyril Ramaphosa will convene an advisory council on Sunday to consider evidence on the variant.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci says a ban on travel to the United States could be considered, but more data is needed. Also, he said no cases of the variant have been found in the U.S.
There is no proof that the variant could reduce the effectiveness of the vaccines, according to the Times.
“Substantively NOTHING is known about the new variant,” Roberto Burioni, a leading Italian virologist, wrote on Twitter, adding that people should not panic.
From The New York Times
Word of the new variant sent U.S. stocks tumbling by more than 900 points in what is normally a quiet day of trading after Thanksgiving.