Cases of new mutant virus infections identified in South Africa have also been identified for the first time in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Cases of suspected infection have also been reported in various parts of the country, and movements to restrict entry from southern Africa are rapidly spreading in each country.

On the 26th, the WHO = World Health Organization designated the new mutant virus confirmed in South Africa as the same "variant of concern" as the Delta strain that is currently widespread, and named it "Omicron strain".

The mutant virus has previously been confirmed in South Africa and neighboring countries Botswana, Hong Kong, Israel, and Belgium, but British health officials said yesterday that they had confirmed the infection in two people, as well as in Germany. Two confirmed infections arrived from South Africa.



In the Netherlands, 61 of the passengers arriving by plane from South Africa were positive, and health officials are rushing to confirm that several of them are suspected of being infected with the new mutant virus.



In addition, cases of suspected infection with this mutant virus have been reported in Italy and the Czech Republic.



British Prime Minister Johnson held a press conference on the 27th, saying, "Omicron strains are still in the early stages, and although many things are unknown, the speed of spread of infection is fast, and even if you are vaccinated twice, you will be infected. It seems possible, "he said, and announced a policy to strengthen measures such as border measures.



On the 27th, South Korea, Thailand and Sri Lanka also announced that they would restrict entry from South Africa and neighboring countries.



Regarding the new mutant virus, the infectivity, the risk of aggravation, the effect on the effect of the vaccine, etc. have not been clarified yet, but in order to prevent the spread of the infection, each country restricts entry from southern Africa. The movement to do is spreading rapidly.

Two UK infected confirmed related to travel to southern Africa

British health officials said yesterday that two people had been confirmed infected in the country.



Two cases are related to travel to southern Africa.



In addition, the British government has announced a policy to restrict entry to four countries such as Malawi and Mozambique from the 28th, in addition to six countries such as South Africa as a new border measure.

Two Germans confirmed infected Arrive at Munich Airport from South Africa

Health officials in Bavaria, southern Germany, said yesterday that two people had been confirmed infected.



The two arrived at Munich Airport from South Africa on the 24th of this month.



Authorities in Central Hessen are also investigating a person who arrived at Frankfurt Airport from South Africa on the 21st of this month, suspected of being infected with a new mutant virus.



In addition, health officials are confirming that cases suspected of being infected with this mutant virus have been found in the Czech Republic and Italy.

Influence in the sports world

In South Africa, where a new mutant virus "Omicron strain" was confirmed, the European team that was scheduled to participate in the rugby game decided to return home, and some games were postponed, which is also affecting the sports world.



According to Reuters news agency, four teams including the United Kingdom and Italy decided to return home after confirmation of a new mutant virus in the rugby "United Rugby Championship" match scheduled to be held in South Africa. As a result, some games have been postponed.



Two of these Welsh teams have arranged charter flights, but without the permission of the British aviation authorities, they are aiming for an early return while continuing their stay in South Africa.



In addition, at the men's golf tournament being held in South Africa, more than 10 British players have abstained due to returning to Japan, which has had an impact on the sports world.

Voices of anxiety from Japanese expatriates

Local Japanese expatriates and their families have expressed anxiety, and some have given up on their temporary return to Japan, where border measures have been strengthened.



Of these, Keinobu Yanagimoto (44), who works for an international organization, has been living in Johannesburg, the largest city for five years, with his wife and two children aged 8 and 6.



Mr. Yanagimoto said about the confirmation of the mutant virus, "I was still shocked. I am investigating what kind of effect it will have, so I would like to see the news in the future." talked.



The family was planning to return to Japan temporarily from the beginning of next month, but decided to give up because Japan's border measures have been strengthened and it is necessary to stay at the accommodation facility for 10 days after entering Japan.



Mr. Yanagimoto said, "I heard that the waiting period has been strengthened for 10 days and I can't get out of the hotel room. I think it's really difficult for two young children, so I decided to temporarily cancel my return to Japan. I made a decision. I am planning to return to Japan for the first time in two and a half years, and I wanted to meet my elderly mother, and I am sorry that I wanted to show my grandson's face to her. "



In addition, my wife, Maki (40), said, "I'm worried because I don't know much about mutant viruses. I think I'll be able to understand the actual situation, but I think I have to endure it." rice field.