General

Some countries have recently reported cases of a new variant of the new coronavirus strain B.1.1.529 ("Omi Keron"). In order to prevent the entry and spread of this new strain, many countries have imposed entry restrictions on international flights and passengers. Among them, Israel announced on the 27th that it would close the border and prohibit all foreign tourists from entering.

u3000u3000 Following Belgium’s report on the 26th of Europe’s first case of infection with the "Omi Keron" strain, on the 27th, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy also reported confirmed cases of infection, and the Netherlands and the Czech Republic also reported the discovery of related suspected cases.

u3000u3000According to Reuters, in order to prevent the invasion of the epidemic, Israel announced on the 27th that it would close its borders and ban all foreign travelers from entering, becoming the first country in the world to block its borders due to the "Omi Keron" strain. According to Prime Minister Bennett, the ban may last for 14 days. This mutant strain is “very worrying” and Israel is “on the verge of entering a state of emergency” and everyone must be ready to fight.

u3000u3000Israel’s Ministry of Health announced on the 26th that the country had discovered the first case of infection with a new variant of the virus and two suspected infections. The Israeli government held an emergency meeting on the same day to declare all countries in central and southern Africa as "red areas" and prohibit entry of people from these countries. The decision took effect immediately. Israelis who have returned from these countries last week must immediately begin a 14-day quarantine in hotels.

u3000u3000 In addition to Israel, many countries have introduced prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of the virus strain. US President Biden issued a statement stating that due to the discovery of new variants of the new crown virus, the United States will restrict flights to eight countries in Africa, including South Africa, starting from November 29.

British Prime Minister Johnson held a press conference on the 27th to announce that all international travelers need to undergo nucleic acid tests on the second day after arriving in the UK, and they need to self-isolate before getting a negative result; they are closely related to the "Omi Keron" strain infection. All contacts must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

u3000u3000 European Commission President Von der Lein issued a statement on the 26th that the mutant strain may spread all over the world within a few months. The European Union decided to activate the "emergency brake" mechanism and suspend flights to and from seven countries in southern Africa.

u3000u3000 Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on the 27th that the Australian government will implement additional border security measures, including suspension of flights from nine African countries.

In response to the travel ban issued by various countries, the South African Minister of Health criticized it on the 26th that it was "unfair" and "sloppy" for many countries to issue travel restrictions. "The new crown virus is a global health crisis. We must work together. Not to punish the other party."