Germany, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia Ban Flights from South Africa Over COVID-19 Variant
At least five countries have suspended flights from South Africa after a coronavirus variant was recently discovered in the country.
Johannesburg, Dec 22: At least five countries have suspended flights from South Africa after a coronavirus variant was recently discovered in the country.
Germany, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that have announced the ban in an effort to prevent the spread of the new strain currently termed 501.V2 Variant, reports Xinhua news agency. The ban came into effect on Monday in most of these countries. India Suspends All UK Flights From Tuesday Night Till December 31 Over Concerns of New Strain of Coronavirus; Those Arriving Till Tuesday Night to Undergo Mandatory RT-PCR Test at Airport.
Germany was one of the first nations to announce the ban.
"Because of the reported coronavirus mutation, the federal government intends to restrict travel options between Germany and Great Britain and South Africa," said Government Spokesperson Martina Fietz.
Israel also banned the flights on Sunday, saying that its citizens returning from South Africa would be required to undergo a 30-day mandatory quarantine on their return.
The new variant was discovered in the Eastern Cape and also affects Kwazulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said his department has been observing a huge number of young people with no illness testing positive lately.
"The evidence that has been collated, therefore, strongly suggests that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant," he said.
A number of countries have also added Britain in their list of banned flights following the discovery of a new mutant variant.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 22, 2020 03:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).