New Corona super variant in southern Africa

So far, the delta variant of the corona virus has been rampant in Europe.

Now a variant is spreading in South Africa that could be far worse.

Several countries are trying to seal themselves off.

Johannesburg - The spread of a new, potentially very dangerous variant of the coronavirus in southern Africa has sparked international concern.

Experts fear that variant B.1.1.529 is not only highly contagious due to an unusually large number of mutations, but could also penetrate the protective shield of the vaccines more easily.

Great Britain and Israel therefore restricted air traffic to the states in the region as a precaution.

The South African Institute for Infectious Diseases NICD announced that the first 22 cases of the new variant B.1.1.529 had been detected in South Africa.

More cases are to be expected in the course of the ongoing genome analyzes.

"Although the data situation is still limited, our experts are working overtime with all monitoring systems in order to understand the new variant and the possible implications associated with it."

Health Secretary Joe Phaahla said the new variant confirms the "fact that this invisible enemy is very unpredictable".

He called on the South Africans to wear masks, to keep their distance and, in particular, to get vaccinated.

"We also have the extra vehicle of vaccination, which will help us avoid serious illnesses including ending up in clinic or even falling victim to the virus," he said.

Other countries seal themselves off

Israel then classified the countries South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini as "red countries".

Foreigners are no longer allowed to enter Israel from these countries, said Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office.

When Israelis return home from these countries, they have to be in quarantine in a Corona hotel for up to 14 days, but can test themselves with two negative PCR tests after a week.

The new variant will be closely monitored to prevent it from spreading in Israel, it said.

also read

Is my Twitch account at risk?

The programming code of Twitch and lists with alleged income from entertainers active there are already circulating on the net.

Are the data of the viewers now also in danger?

Is my Twitch account at risk?

Corona measures necessary even with high vaccination rates

A British study shows: Despite vaccinations, the corona rules should be adhered to.

Because even fully vaccinated people still have a certain risk of contracting the Delta variant.

Corona measures necessary even with high vaccination rates

Infection numbers are increasing: new debate about vaccination

The second winter of the pandemic is imminent, the incidence has already risen to over 100 and vaccination is stagnating.

At the same time, a footballer initiates a heated debate about vaccination.

Can lockdown and other measures still be avoided?

Infection numbers are increasing: new debate about vaccination

The British government is restricting air traffic from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Namibia because of the new virus variant. Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there was a strict hotel quarantine requirement for those arriving. There are indications that B.1.1.529 is even more contagious than the Delta variant and that the available vaccines are less effective. Air traffic from the six countries should cease from Friday noon.

So far, no cases with the new variant, which is said to have around 30 mutations, have been found in the UK.

But according to the PA news agency, 500 to 700 people from South Africa alone arrive in the country every day.

A higher number is expected over the Christmas season.

PA quoted an expert from the UK Healthcare Safety Authority with the assessment that B.1.1.529 was "the worst variant" seen so far.

So far there are only confirmed cases in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong.

dpa