The British government moved swiftly to place South Africa back on the dreaded red list of countries unable to travel to and from the United Kingdom following the emergence of another strain of the coronavirus first detected in South Africa.
As of midday all flights to and from the UK have been grounded leaving many feeling a little more than just frustrated and causing travel agencies to bemoan the “knee-jerk” reaction.
The new strain called B.1.1.529, was detected by the brilliant scientists and medical professionals in the country who have years of experience dealing with HIV/Aids and are well equipped to spot new strains of Covid-19 and let the rest of the world know.
But do we get a thanks? No, instead we get travel bans with Germany and Italy following the UK in banning travel to and from South Africa while the European Union is looking closely at the matter. Israel, which has also detected the variant, imposed a travel ban on SA on Friday as did Singapore.
British citizens rushed to OR Tambo airport on Friday afternoon desperately trying to return home and avoid a government mandated quarantine, which kicks in on Sunday at 4am for all citizens incoming from South Africa.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said the decision to ban flights to SA would harm the tourism and business communities. Officials in Pretoria are in contact with their London counterparts and will ask to have the “rushed” decision reversed.
The World Health Organisation has yet to indicate what the next steps will be following the discovery of the new strain but that hasn’t stopped the UK and the other European nations form making a precautionary decision.
“WHO is convening a meeting … to better understand the timeline for studies that are under way and to determine if this variant should be designated as a variant of interest or variant of concern,” says WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier.
He added that South Africa was commended for its speedy reporting of the new strain, “The WHO is grateful to the South African researchers, and it’s been outstanding how open and transparent they have been.”
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) released a statement this morning indicating that vaccines would “likely” offer high levels of protection against hospitalisation and death.
“We expect new variants to continue to emerge wherever the virus is spreading. Vaccination remains critical to protect those in our communities at high risk of hospitalisation and death, to reduce strain on the health system, and to help slow transmission.”
Cases continue to rise and there are indications that the fourth wave is beginning to grip the country with the Western Cape now in focus. The fourth wave (subscribe to read) will most likely be driven by the latest strain.
You may well be at the store while you read this buying that new monster TV on a fantastic Black Friday special but how about you treat yourself to a lifesaving vaccine that could very well save your life!
The best part is it’s absolutely free.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analysis, and editorials:
FRIDAY BRIEFING | Topsy-turvy governments: Big egos and ideological battles – will councils survive? – News24
ANTHONY BUTLER: Ramaphosa brings international relations to a new level – Business Day (Subscribe to read)
SHIRLEY DE VILLIERS: Kannaland chaos – Financial Mail (Subscribe to read)
Good governance requires not only the application of the law, but also its ethics and principles – Mail & Guardian
Behind EFF’s anti-ANC vote: Julius Malema’s big plan to topple Ramaphosa – Daily Maverick
Mbeki warns 2021 results represent reversal for progressive movement and advance for right-wing forces – Daily Maverick
MAKHUDU SEFARA | It’s personal: ANC may not know it yet, but Malema is out for revenge – Sunday Times Daily (Register to read)
TOM EATON | Bonjour, religious tourism; bon voyage, hard-earned cash – Sunday Times Daily (Register to read)
