Why is the new variant a concern?
Scientists are trying to understand the implications of a new variant of Covid-19. There are about 50 confirmed cases in South Africa.
Scientists said that B. 1.1.529 has a constellation of unusual mutations that could help it evade the body's immune response and make it more transmissible. The world emerges from the Pandemic with a new variant that is able to evade vaccines or spread faster than the Delta variant.
Where has it been found?
The variant may be present in the country's other eight provinces, according to early signs from diagnostic laboratories.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported 2,465 new Covid-19 infections, slightly less than the previous day's infections. The latest resurgence was not attributed by the NICD, although some leading local scientists suspect it is the cause.
A traveller from South Africa has been found in Hong Kong with a variant of B. 1.1.529. Scientists think that as many as 90% of new cases in the province could be B. 1.1.529.
How does it compare to other variations?
Senior scientists described B. 1.1.529 as the worst variant they had seen since the start of the Pandemic. It has a lot of changes in the part of the virus that most vaccines use toprime the immune system against Covid. That is double the number associated with the Delta variant. It is possible for the spike protein to be altered to make it harder for the immune cells to attack the pathogen.
The Delta variant was first detected in India in late 2020 but has since spread around the world, causing an increase in case rates and deaths. The Alpha variant was originally found in the UK, while the other two are from South Africa and Brazil. It has been suggested that variant can be out of existence following a drop in cases in Japan.
What are the new restrictions?
Between 500 and 700 people who travel to the UK from South Africa each day via British Airways and Virgin Airlines will be affected by the red list travel restrictions from midday on Friday.
The ban will cover flights from other countries.
Testing will be offered to try to avoid the introduction of the new strain.
Israel will ban its citizens from travelling to southern Africa, as well as barring foreign travellers from entering the region.
The final seven countries, including Panama, were removed from England's travel red list on 1 November. Travelers who were vaccine free were able to visit South Africa again without having to stay in a hotel.
What does the new variant mean for the UK?
It's too early to tell. Scientists in the UK are working around the clock to understand the new variant. Scientists don't have evidence of the variant's ability to evade vaccines because it is only recently emerged. If the variant is allowed to spread, there will be concerns that it could lead to more restrictions.
It could be a few weeks before scientists have complete information about the variant, and how serious a threat it may be.
Is there anything I can do to protect myself?
Yes. If you haven't already gotten the vaccine, you should. Britons who received their second dose of vaccine at least six months ago are eligible to have their booster now.
