The European Union will propose a ban on travel from southern Africa. (File)
Brussels:
Germany and Italy on Friday joined Britain in banning most travel from South Africa as governments scramble to stem the spread of the virus. a new COVID-19 variant with a large number of mutations.
In a sign of growing alarm, the European Union has proposed separately banning travel from southern Africa.
The EU Executive Director “will propose, in close coordination with Member States, to activate the emergency brake to stop air travel from southern Africa due to the worrying variant B. .1.1.529”, EU head Ursula Von der Leyen wrote on Twitter on Friday.
New German travel restrictions, starting Friday evening, will affect South Africa and “possibly neighboring countries”, German Health Minister Jens Spahn said, only German nationals will be allowed to enter.
They must be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival even if they have been vaccinated.
“The last thing we need now is a newly introduced variant that can cause even more problems,” said Spahn, as Germany was in the grip of a violent fourth wave of the pandemic. .
In Rome, the government on Friday announced an entry ban for those who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia or Eswatini in the past two weeks.
Health Minister Roberto Speranza said scientists are working on the new variant B.1.1.529, “and in the meantime we will follow the path of utmost caution”.
UK announced that all flights from South Africa and neighboring countries will be banned starting at 1200 GMT on Friday.
South Africa harshly condemn British decision.
“While South Africa respects the right of all countries to take the necessary precautions to protect their citizens, the UK’s decision to temporarily bar South Africans from entering the UK The UK seems to have been rushed as even the World Health Organization has not yet issued advice on next steps,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
