The risk is increasing due to the new corona variety found in South Africa and Botswana. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called an emergency meeting on today.
British scientists have already warned of this new variety. It has 32 mutations, so they think that even the vaccine is not effective against it. This variant spreads rapidly by modifying the corona ‘spike protein’.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases of South Africa says 22 cases of the virus have been detected in the country so far, with a total of 59 worldwide. Scientists have named it B.1.1.529, which describes it as a species of serious concern.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Head of Technology at Covid19, said: “We have not received much information on this variant. The behavior of the virus is changing due to multiple mutations and this is a matter of concern.
Britain has suspended flights to and from six African countries due to the threat of the new variant. These countries include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Swatini. .
Sajid Javed, Britain’s health secretary, said the country’s health agency was investigating the new strain. We need more data, but we’re taking precautions now.
These 6 African countries will be redlisted and visitors to Britain will have to be quarantined. The virus has also been found in people who came to Hong Kong from South Africa.
The new variant was first discovered by two people staying at the Regal Airport Hotel in the country. According to the Hong Kong Center for Health Care (CHP), the investigation revealed that both cases were of type B.1.1.529.
According to the Hong Kong Center for Health Care (CHP), the investigation revealed that both cases belong to the B.1.1.529 variant. The first person was wearing a face mask with an air valve and the second person was infected with the virus by touching the mask.
All airports in India have also been instructed to check in passengers arriving from Hong Kong and Botswana. The central government has instructed the states to pay special attention.