The new mutant virus confirmed in South Africa was confirmed to be infected in Europe such as the United Kingdom and Germany, and on the 28th, two new infections were confirmed in Australia.


In each country, there is a growing movement to restrict entry from southern Africa.

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



So far, infections have been confirmed in South Africa's neighboring countries of Botswana, Hong Kong, and Israel, as well as in Europe, following the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium, followed by Italy.



Furthermore, on the 28th, two new infections were confirmed in Australia from southern Africa.



According to Australian authorities, the infected two had been vaccinated.



Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, 61 of the passengers arriving by plane from South Africa have been confirmed positive, and authorities are rushing to confirm that several are suspected of being infected with the "Omicron strain."



Regarding the "Omicron strain", the infectivity, the risk of aggravation, and the effect on the effectiveness of the vaccine have not yet been clarified, but there is a growing movement among countries to restrict entry from southern Africa.



The Australian Government has announced that it will ban foreigners from nine African countries, including South Africa, and will require Australians to be quarantined for 14 days after entering the country.



Israel has also decided to strengthen border measures and ban all foreigners from entering the country for 14 days, including from other regions, including Europe.



Furthermore, in England, where the United Kingdom occupies the majority of the population, there are also places where domestic regulations are being tightened, such as requiring the wearing of masks in public transportation and retail stores again, and there are moves to further strengthen measures.

"Omicron strain" First confirmed infection in Australia

New South Wales, Australia's largest city, Sydney, announced on the 28th that two people from southern Africa had been infected with the new mutant virus "Omicron strain".



This is the first time I have confirmed an infection in Australia.



According to the state government's announcement, the infection was confirmed on the 27th, as two people who entered Australia from southern Africa have completed vaccination with the new coronavirus vaccine.



Following confirmation of infection of Omicron strains in each country, the Australian government ▼ banned foreigners from nine African countries including South Africa and ▼ quarantined Australians for 14 days after entering the country. Announced that it will be mandatory.



Also, in some states such as New South Wales, the 14-day quarantine obligation for foreign immigrants was abolished from November on condition of vaccination, but from 28th, from other than 9 African countries. Immigration is now required to be quarantined for 3 days after entry, regardless of nationality.

Announcements such as cancellation of flights in southern Africa

With the confirmation of new mutant viruses and the strengthening of border measures in each country, airlines are forced to take measures such as canceling flights connecting to southern Africa.



Of these, UAE-based Emirates has announced that it will temporarily suspend flights to and from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.



Qatar Airways has also decided not to accept passengers from five countries in southern Africa, and Singapore Airlines will change passenger flights to South Africa to freight flights.



Airlines around the world have been hit hard by the spread of the new coronavirus, and are becoming more cautious about the further impact.