U.S. bans travel from South Africa and other countries in the world
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WASHINGTON – The U.S. government notified Friday that starting next Monday it will place restrictions on travelers from South Africa and seven other countries in southern Africa in the face of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus dubbed “omicron.”
“As a precautionary measure until we have more information, I am ordering additional air travel restrictions from South Africa and seven other countries,” President Joe Biden said in a statement sent by the White House.
The new restrictions will go into effect Nov. 29 and as information and knowledge of the omicron variant advances, Biden said, further decisions could be made based on what science and the medical team of advisors advise him.
President Biden made the decision after hearing suggestions from his chief medical advisor, Anthony Fauci, and officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
U.S. requires vaccination of foreigners to enter the country
The cascade of country restrictions began Thursday night when the UK announced it would temporarily suspend flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Singapore has opted to ban entry to all non-residents from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, while returning nationals and permanent residents from any of these countries will be required to spend 10 days at home. Malaysia has also taken similar measures.
Meanwhile, Germany plans to declare South Africa a “virus variant area” as of Friday night, which will mean that airlines will only be able to enter from the country to repatriate German nationals.
The United States will restrict travel from South Africa and seven other countries as of Monday. Following advice from Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Biden administration will restrict travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
The Government imposes quarantine on travelers coming from
Once on Canadian territory, travelers must again take a test and wait for the results in a designated hotel. If they test negative, they can go to their destinations, but will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine. They will also be asked to take a test after eight days, when they have been quarantined for a week and a day.
This new variant, found in South Africa, is being analyzed by the World Health Organization (WHO), whose advisors are holding a special session to gather all the necessary information.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has asked the Canadian government to take action this Friday.Photo: La Presse canadienne / Chris YoungIsrael has also reported a case of this new variant of the coronavirus, in a person who traveled to this country from Malawi.
In Canada, the Premier of Ontario said he contacted the federal government to express my absolute concern about the risks it (the variant) poses and the need for immediate action today.
Africa regrets border closures after the announcement
BRUSSELS, Apr. 27 (Xinhua) — Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said today that a ministerial decree will be issued on Wednesday to ban travel from India, South Africa and Brazil.
The decision to ban travel was taken after the Consultative Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss the new coronavirus mutations emerging from these three countries, which are spreading at an alarming rate.
Globally, 276 vaccine candidates are under development in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, China, the United States and Russia, according to information provided today by the World Health Organization.
BRUSSELS, Apr 27 (Xinhua) — Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said today that a ministerial decree will be issued on Wednesday to ban travel from India, South Africa and Brazil.
The decision to ban travel was taken after the Consultative Committee held a virtual meeting to discuss the new coronavirus mutations emerging from these three countries, which are spreading at an alarming rate.