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Governments around the world have tightened restrictions from travellers in South Africa after the discovery of a new coronavirus variant.
Scientists have said that this variant is different and is a serious concern.
Scientists are trying to find out whether the new variant can fight against the Covid-19 vaccine and how fast it can spread. BioNTech experts the first data from laboratory tests about how it interacts with its vaccine within t
The union health minister of India told the states to rigorously screen and test those travellers who have arrived from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong.
He also informed has informed the government that “multiple cases of a Covid-19 variant B.1.1529 have been reported in Botswana (3 cases), South Africa (6 cases) and Hong Kong (1 case)”
“This variant is reported to have a significantly high number of mutations, and thus, has serious public health implications for the country, in view of recently relaxed visa restrictions and opening up of international travel,” Bhushan said.
“lt is therefore imperative that ALL international travellers travelling from and transiting through these countries, (they are part of the “at-risk” Country Category of international travellers coming to India)…are subjected to rigorous screening and testing”, the communication said. “The contacts of these international travellers must also be closely tracked and tested as per MoHFW guidelines.”
The case found out in Hong Kong is a traveller from South Africa.