“This recently discovered variant worries us, so we are active and early on,” Spahn wrote on Twitter.

The decision to restrict air traffic with South African countries will come into force on November 27.

Airlines will be able to export from the region only citizens of Germany, who, upon arrival in the country, will be required to undergo a two-week quarantine.

The head of the EC Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Commission will consider the option of suspending flights to South Africa due to the new strain.

Earlier it became known that the UK has temporarily canceled flights with South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini from November 26 due to the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus B.1.1.529.

Israel also banned its citizens from visiting South Africa and six more African countries.