Covid: South Africa 'punished' for detecting new Omicron variant [View all]
South Africa has complained it is being punished - instead of applauded - for discovering Omicron, a concerning new variant of Covid-19.
The foreign ministry made the statement as countries around the world restrict travel from southern African countries as details of the spread emerged.
Early evidence suggests Omicron has a higher re-infection risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that the new variant was being considered as "of concern".
Several cases have been identified in Europe, including two in the UK and one in Belgium. Single suspected cases were also found in Germany and the Czech republic.
The new variant has also been detected in Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel.
Hundreds of passengers arriving in the Netherlands from South Africa are being tested for the new variant.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59442129
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