Concern is growing in Europe as new cases of the Omicron variant are identified. Its appearance comes at a time when the old continent is already recording an increase in cases and many countries have stepped up measures.
Omicron cases were confirmed in Britain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic on Saturday, while a case was reported in Belgium on Friday. Suspicious cases are being investigated in the Netherlands and Denmark. It’s all about travelers.
Amsterdam monitors about 60 people who arrived in the Netherlands from Johannesburg and tested positive for Covid-19
The Dutch health services estimate that there are “most likely” cases of Omicron, but further analyzes will be needed.
About 50 passengers who arrived in Bavaria on Friday from Cape Town are also under surveillance.
Two possible cases are also being investigated in Denmark.
Meanwhile, on all continents, one country after another imposes travel bans on South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and, in some cases, Malawi, while Israel became the first country in the world to completely close its borders due to the Omicron variant.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced on Saturday that his government would ban all foreigners from entering the country for 14 days.
Reactions from South Africa
The South African government, however, considers it “punishable” because the country’s scientists have identified the variant.
The South African Minister of Health, in fact, denounced the “draconian” reactions and the “panic” of many countries that immediately closed their borders, without even knowing how dangerous Omicron is.
Yesterday, the US government congratulated South Africa on its “transparency” to the rest of the world after identifying the variant
During a telephone conversation between US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his South African counterpart, the US Secretary of State “praised South African scientists for the rapid identification of the Omicron variant”, as well as the South African government. in disclosing information, saying it should set an example for the world. “
Johnson announced measures
A series of new measures to prevent the transmission of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in Britain was announced by Boris Johnson in an extraordinary press conference.
The British Prime Minister said that all travelers from abroad to England should undergo a molecular PCR diagnostic test by the end of the second day, but also put themselves in isolation until a negative diagnosis occurs.
Also, all contacts of Omicron variants should be kept in home isolation for ten days, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
Mr Johnson also announced the resumption of compulsory mask use in shops and on public transport, but not in restaurants.
As he said, the measures are temporary and will be reviewed in three weeks.
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