new, more resistant variant discovered, Italy bans entry from six African countries
A variant of Covid-19 has emerged in South Africa, capable of this new variant to mutations and vaccines.
The variant, scientifically named B.1.1.529, according to virologist Tulio de Oliveira, at least 10 mutations, compared to the two of the Delta and the three of the Beta. Due to the variant – states the National Institute for Diseases – the number of detected cases and the positivity index are “rapidly increasing” in three of the country’s provinces, including Gauteng, where the economic capital Johannesburg and the administrative court.
On Wednesday, the number of infections in the country reached a high level 1,200 in 24 hours, compared to 106 at the beginning of the month. Prior to the detection of the new variant, authorities predicted that a fourth wave had hit South Africa starting in mid-December, from travel ahead of the holiday season. B.1.1.529 was also found in Botswana and Hong Kong among new travelers from South Africa.
L’WHO he stated that he is “monitoring closely“the variant reported and should call a technical meeting today to determine whether a variant of” interest “or” concern “should be designated.
The alarm raised by the Africans brought the UK to the choice of close, starting today, the borders to 6 African countries: South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana. me too’Italy took the last 14 days, forbidding entry to those who, in the last few days, were in the six countries. “Our feelings – announces Minister Speranza – I am working for study the new variant B.1.1.529. In the meantime, let’s follow the road of maximum precaution “.
also there European Commission will propose, in close coordination with the Member States, to stop flights from the Southern African region. The president announced it Ursula von del Leyen.