Leading epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said today that a ban on flights from South African countries was a possibility and that the United States was gathering evidence for a new variant of SARS-COV-2.
However, no decision has yet been made to suspend flights.
“It is always possible to do what the United Kingdom did, to exclude travel from South Africa and related countries,” Dr. Fauci told CNN.
“It simply came to our notice then. We are prepared to do anything to protect Americans. “But we want to confirm that there is a basis for that,” he said.
“Obviously as soon as we find more information we will make a decision as soon as possible.”
Anthony Fauci added that American scientists will talk to their colleagues in South Africa today about the new variant called B.1.1.529, which has raised concerns about its transmissibility and ability to overcome immune barriers. There is no indication that the new variant is already in the US, he said.
Authorities around the world have reacted with concern to the discovery of the new variant. The European Union and Britain have stepped up border controls as scientists try to determine if the variant is resistant to vaccines.
The World Health Organization has advised not to take hasty travel measures, and South Africa has said that the imposition of travel measures by London seems hasty.
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