They begin to take measures for the new variant of covid-19 in South Africa 2:37
(CNN) -
The discovery of a new coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa prompted several countries to impose travel restrictions on at least six African nations.
Minute by minute: new variant of coronavirus leads to travel bans and shakes markets
Currently known as B.1.1.529, the newly identified variant appears to be spreading rapidly in parts of South Africa and scientists are concerned that its unusually high number of mutations could make it more transmissible and result in immune evasion.
Travel doors slam shut as new coronavirus variant sets off alarms
These are the countries that have announced restrictions so far for the new variant:
Italy
Austria
France
Japan
United Kingdom
Singapore
Netherlands
malt
Malaysia
Morocco
Philippines
While only dozens of cases of the new variant have been identified so far, they have been detected in South Africa, Botswana and two in Hong Kong.
They begin to take measures for the new variant of covid-19 in South Africa 2:37
The cascade of restrictions across countries began Thursday night when the UK announced it would temporarily suspend flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Japan has tightened border controls for travelers from the same six countries, and imposed a 10-day quarantine starting at 12 a.m. on November 27.
The South African variant, mu, delta and others: one by one, all the variants of the coronavirus identified so far
EU countries Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Malta have announced imminent entry bans for all travelers who have entered South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini in the past two weeks.
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Singapore has chosen to bar entry to all non-residents of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, while nationals and permanent residents returning from any of these countries will be required to spend 10 days at home.
Malaysia has also taken similar steps.
Meanwhile, Germany plans to declare South Africa a "virus variant area" starting Friday night, which will mean that airlines will only be able to enter from the country to repatriate German nationals.
The Philippines suspended incoming flights with immediate effect from South Africa and six other countries due to concerns about the new variant, according to the presidential office.
Travelers, including Filipino nationals, from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique have been banned until December 15.
