United Kingdom says new strain is “challenging” and bans flights to African countries

The British government has said it will add six African countries to its “red list” for the trip. According to the Minister of Health, the flights will start at noon on Friday (26) South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland and Zimbabwe Will be suspended.

In addition, travelers from these countries United Kingdom Must comply Isolation.

The decision was made after scientists in the country became interested in new things Variation from Govit-19, P.1.1.529. Officials say the change is by far the most challenging.

Officials have advised the government of the need to act quickly and proactively, although it may take weeks to develop all the necessary information about its characteristics if concerns about the impact of the strain are confirmed.

The UK Health Care Agency said no cases of the disorder had been reported in the UK.

Israel also banned travel

This Thursday (25) Israel Announced that it would ban its citizens from traveling to South Africa – in addition to banning travelers from the region.

South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland were added to the list of “red” or high-risk trips.

Israelis returning home from these countries must stay in isolated accommodation for 7-14 days upon arrival.

A Variation B.1.1.529

According to scientists, the newly identified variant that is spreading across South Africa is worrying because it has twice as many mutations. Delta variant – including some associated with the avoidance of the immune response.

The UK Health Safety Agency says it has a different peak protein than the mutant one. Corona virus Original based on vaccines. It can also prevent the development of immunity caused by both previous infections and the vaccine.

The South African scientists who discovered the B.1.1.529 mutation said that this variant contains “very unusual galaxy” mutations, which are of concern because they may inhibit the body’s immune response and become more contagious.

Cases of the disorder have been identified in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong.

* With Reuters information