New Variant Of COVID-19 “Most Significant” Yet – Report

• The UK has rushed strict travel restrictions on South Africa and five neighbouring countries to halt the spread of the new strain

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the new COVID-19 variant is the most significant scientists have discovered so far, a top UK health official has said.

Scientists fear the variant – known as B.1.1.529 – could be more transmissible and better able to evade vaccines.

Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says: “This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility.”

Read also: Newly-discovered COVID-19 Variant May Signal Fresh Travel Bans For Africans

She says scientists are looking into “what public health actions may limit the impact of B.1.1.529”.

The UK is rushing in strict travel restrictions for South Africa and five neighbouring countries to halt the spread of the new strain.

Earlier while speaking to reporters about new travel restrictions, UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said “we don’t know enough” yet about the new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa, but that it’s right to “remain cautious”.

He says the decision to ban flights to England from several southern African countries is about “being cautious…. and trying to protect, as best we can, our borders”.

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