Regional Human Capital Operations Manager – Human Capital x2 (Harare)

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Staff Development Fellow: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology x4 (Harare)

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Student Development Officers (Harare)

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General Hand (Harare)

Locum Pharmacists (Mutare & Ngezi)

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Artisan Supervisor – Fleet Maintenance (Gweru)

Transport and Logistics Officer - Tracking (Gweru)

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Team Leader (Mutare)

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Covid-19 Omicron variant has hit Masvingo Teachers College with 157 cases recorded at the learning institution.
New Zimbabwe reports that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who is also the Health Minister confirmed the development.
Speaking during a national clean-up campaign at Old Croco Motors, Vice President Chiwenga said the Health Ministry had carried out clinical tests for samples taken from the college, and they confirmed the existence of the new variant.
<blockquote>
The new variant which you have been hearing from other countries is here. From the genetic sequencing that we did, the Omicron virus is now in Masvingo at the Teachers College.
</blockquote>
Masvingo Provincial Minister Ezra Chadzamira also admitted the province was now a hotspot of the new variant.
As of December 2, Masvingo had 341 active cases, 59 recorded new cases and two people had recovered.
 
Omicron was first detected in South Africa and Botswana late last month and has since been detected in many other countries around the world.
While little is known about the new variant, health experts say Omicron can spread rapidly. 
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/157-omicron-cases-detected-at-masvingo-teachers-college-chiwenga/">NewZimbabwe</a>

Pindula News

Over 150 Covid-19 Omicron Variant Cases Recorded At Masvingo Teachers College

Zimbabwe’s senior doctors have called for vigilance as the country braces for the fourth wave of the Covid-19 outbreak driven by the newly discovered Omicron variant.
The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa and Botswana causing panic throughout the world.
Western countries last week banned travel from southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, citing the emergence of the variant.
On Friday, Health and Child Care deputy minister John Mangwiro said Zimbabwe had reported 50 cases of the Omicron variant.
The Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians (ZCPHP) said citizens must strictly adhere to World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
In a press statement, ZCPHP, an association of specialist public health doctors, said the surge in cases in the past few days was a cause for concern. 
The doctors urged all citizens to double up physical distancing, wear face masks, and wash their hands. Added the doctors:
<blockquote>
Get vaccinated urgently against Covid-19, vaccines save lives.
</blockquote>
ZCPHP also urged Zimbabweans to avoid or reduce non-essential travel and visits, to minimize interactions with people from other households.
It encouraged healthcare practitioners to increase the level of clinical suspicion/presumption of Covid-19, and look out for patients who are potentially sick with Covid-19.
<h2>More: <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/index.php/2021/12/04/omicron-zimbabwes-senior-doctors-issue-warning/">VicFallsLive</a></h2>

Senior Doctors Issue Warning As Zimbabwe Records Over 50 Cases Of The Omicron Variant

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said that its officers will be moving around the country enforcing the recently announced COVID-19 guidelines. Pindula News presents a statement issued by police national spokesperson, assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi:
<blockquote>
<h2>ENFORCEMENT OF THE ENHANCED COVID-19 MEASURES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON 30th NOVEMBER 2021</h2>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted the enhanced COVID-19 safety and health regulations announced by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on 30th November 2021. In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified its operations to enhance compliance by members of the public in order to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The Police implores the public to observe the curfew period which runs from 2100 hours till 0600 hours the next morning. Members of the public who are not part of the essential service exempted by the Government to move during this period, should strictly comply and assist in the maintenance of law and order. The Police will ensure that the law takes its course on all members of the public who disregard the curfew order without a valid reason. Only essential services providers will be allowed passage at Police checkpoints during curfew periods. All social gatherings or activities allowed by the Government should be cleared by 2100 hours. 
The Police reiterate its call for the public to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings. Members of the public are urged to plan their journeys accordingly as the Police will religiously enforce the Covid-19 regulations and arrest all offenders.
In the same vein, shops, restaurants and bars should ensure they close at 1900 hours as directed. Above all, the Police will conduct checks, patrols and monitoring to ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols which include, social distancing, wearing of face masks and sanitization in all public places.
Nightclub and bar operators who admit unvaccinated people will be brought to book and no excuse will be entertained by Police.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will also take action against anyone who tries to enter or exit the country’s borders without following laid down protocols. This includes bus operators and crew who are moving at night violating the curfew order and at the same time assisting smugglers bring in smuggled goods into the country without following customs and exercise formalities.
We urge the public to cooperate with police officers as they perform their duties. Any form of corruption by police Officers or a member of the public will be decisively dealt with.
(NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and Int. Relations) to the Commissioner-General of Police
Police General Headquarters
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Police Speak On Enforcement Of New COVID-19 Guidelines - Full Text

Airlines flying to Zimbabwe have started warning their passengers about the new guidelines that were announced to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, first detected in South Africa last month. The South African Airways said in a statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>SAA INFORMS CUSTOMERS OF NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR ARRIVALS IN ZIMBABWE</h2>
Johannesburg (1 December 2021) – South African Airways (SAA), confirms that our operations out of Johannesburg to Harare, Zimbabwe will operate as per schedule and depart Johannesburg tomorrow, 2nd December 2021 on SA022 at 10h30.
Customers travelling to Harare. will with immediate effect, be subject to additional health protocols, as per the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health’s directive.
• Every person arriving in Harare must have a negative PCR Health Certificate valid for 48 hours from the date and time of issue of such a certificate 
• Notwithstanding the above, passengers arriving in Zimbabwe will be subject to a PCR test at the airport 
• Customers who have a negative PCR result will be quarantined for 10 days at their own cost at a government-designated site. 
• Customers who have a positive PCR result will be quarantined for a period of 14 days 
• Quarantine centres will be published by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) No home quarantine will be permitted.
SAA encourages customers who require clarification to contact the call centre on 011 978 1111, selecting option one (1) for assistance, alternatively send an email to Customerservice@flysaa.com or reach us on Twitter at flysaa_care for assistance Further updates will be shared via our website at www.flysaa.com
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Airlines To Zimbabwe Start Warning Passengers About New COVID-19 Guidelines

Zambia has announced new additional measures that are aimed at curbing the transmission of the coronavirus in the Southern African country. Pindula News presents a statement by Zambian authorities:
<blockquote>
<h2>UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR STRENGTHENING SURVEILLANCE AT POINTS OF ENTRY (POE) (30/11/2021)</h2>
 Zambia has so far had three distinct COVID-19 waves since the first cases were detected in March 2020. Each subsequent wave has had higher cases, mortality and duration compared to the preceding one. While the national incidence of COVID-19 is currently low, the risk of a new wave of COVID-19 remains high. Factors that would facilitate a rise in cases include: i) Low vaccination rates ii) poor compliance to public health and social measures such as masking iii) the emergence of new variants that may be more transmissible and cause more severe disease.
The new Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has been detected in various countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as a “variant of concern”. Zambia is therefore seeking to strengthen surveillance at Points of Entry to minimise the risk of importation of this and other variants.
In line with WHO and Africa Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (Africa CDC) guidelines, Zambia will not impose a travel ban on any country, however, the following guidelines will apply to all international travel: 
1. Screening for COVIO-19 will continue at all Points of Entry including airports and land crossings: 
i. Port Health officers will observe all arriving passengers to detect those with obvious signs of illness and subject them to further evaluation including testing if indicated. 
ii. All arriving passengers will undergo temperature screening 
iii. Port Health Officers will collect and review health declaration forms completed by all passengers and verify contact details. 
2. All travelers entering Zambia will be required to provide evidence of a negative SARS COV2 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for a sample collected within 72 hours of departure from the country of origin. Port Health Officers will determine the authenticity and validity of SARS COV2 negative certificates. 
3. All travelers from countries that have reported the Omicron variant will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine for ten (10) days from the date of arrival; 
a. Returning citizens, residents and permit-holders will be allowed to quarantine at home 
b. Non-residents will be quarantined in designated centers at their own cost 
4. Travelers departing from Zambia will be screened and must meet all COVID-19 testing requirements of the country of destination and/or transit. 
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Zambia Announces New Measures In The Wake Of Omicron

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who doubles as the Minister of Health and Child Care has confirmed that Omicron, a new coronavirus variant that was first detected in South Africa on the 24th of November has been detected in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a meeting with young farmers this Thursday in Harare, VP Chiwenga said:
<blockquote>
We are doing the genomic sequencing, and we have already identified that we now have it (Omicron) in this country and, therefore, must remain vigilant.
We want everyone to be safe so let’s be vaccinated and then let’s follow the protocols. We don’t want to end up putting extra measures but if we follow these measures, I think every one of us will be safe and we will conquer this enemy.
</blockquote>
Initially named B.1.1.529, the new coronavirus variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on 24 November and has also been identified in several other countries including Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, the US, and Israel.
Fears abound that the variant could be significantly easier to pass from person to person and that it could have at least some resistance to current treatments and vaccines. 
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Omicron Variant Now In Zimbabwe - Health Minister Chiwenga

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who doubles as the Minister of Health and Child Care has issued Statutory Instrument 267 of 2021 which is revises measures and regulations meant to curb the spread of coronavirus. 
The SI can be cited as the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) (Amendment) Order, 2021 (No. 37). Pindula News presents the SI:
<blockquote>
WHEREAS Zimbabwe has received notification from the World Health Organisation of the emergence of an additional variant of the COVID-19 disease labelled “Omicron; 
AND WHEREAS the following measures are to be put in place for a period of fourteen days subject to review at the end thereof: 
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby notified that the Minister of Health has, in terms of section 8(1) of the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) Regulations, 020 (published in Statutory Instrument 77 of 2020), made the following order — 
1. This order may be cited as the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) (Amendment) Order, 2021 (No. 37). 
2. Notwithstanding anything to the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention. Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) Order, 2020), published in Statutory Instrument 200 of 2020 (hereinafter called the principal order)—
(a) for the purpose of section 8 (“Power to close ports of entry and exit”), at every port of entry all returning residents and visitors have to undergo PCR testing (notwithstanding that they present a PCR negative test from elsewhere), and those found to be negative will be quarantined at their own cost for ten days, while those who are found positive will be isolated in accordance with the provisions of the principal order; For the purposes of this paragraph, a returning resident or visitor found to be negative for COVID-19 may self-quarantine at any premises cleared for the purpose in advance by an enforcement officer acting on the instructions of the Ministry for Health; 
(b) there shall be a curfew from 2100 hours to 0600 hours subject to the exemption for essential services and other exceptional cases specified in the principal order;
(c) the hours during which any business (other than any business that is or provides an essential service) may operate is the period between 0700 hours and 1900 hours;
For the avoidance of doubt, bottle stores, restaurants, licensed premises and nightclubs are subject to these business hours; 
(d) admission to restaurants, licensed premises and night clubs are restricted to customers and patrons who exhibit proof of full vaccination; 
(e) bottle stores may only operate during business hours, subject to the prohibition against drinking on the premises of the bottle store and to strict adherence with all measures in this Order with respect to the wearing of face masks, temperature checks, sanitising of hands, and social distancing, for the purpose of verifying which any enforcement shall have unhindered access to any bottle store.
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe: SI 267 Of 2021 On Measures To Prevent Importation And Spread Of Omicron

Dutch health authorities announced on Tuesday that they found the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus in cases dating back as long as 11 days, indicating that it was already spreading in western Europe before the first cases were identified in southern Africa.
 The RIVM health institute said it found Omicron in samples dating from November 19 and 23.
Those findings predate the positive cases found among passengers who came from South Africa last Friday and were tested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. The RIVM said:
<blockquote>
It is not yet clear whether the people concerned [in the earlier cases] have also been to southern Africa.
</blockquote>
RIVM added that the individuals had been informed of their Omicron infections and that local health services had started contact tracing. 
The institute added that it would re-examine more samples from previous COVID test results.
Belgium and Germany have also said that sample tests confirm the variant was in those countries before South African health officials alerted the world on November 24 of its existence.
Omicron has now spread to about 20 other countries, and many nations have imposed travel restrictions on passengers from southern African nations. 
This is amid fears that it could be significantly easier to pass from person to person, and that it could have at least some resistance to current treatments and vaccines. 
Meanwhile, criticism is growing over the travel restrictions on passengers from Southern African countries. 
More: <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/omicron-variant-covid-in-europe-netherlands-before-alert-raised/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab7e&amp;linkId=142329193#app">CBS News</a>

"Omicron Was Already Spreading In Western Europe Before Being Detected In South Africa"

Qatar Airways reportedly made a u-turn while in Zambia and returned to Harare where it dropped passengers that had boarded the plane in Zimbabwe.
This was after some European countries, the USA and others imposed a unilateral ban on travellers from Southern Africa following the announcement that Omicron, a new coronavirus variant, had been detected in South Africa. 
Reports say Qatar Airways crew was told while in Lusaka, Zambia, picking up other passengers, that travellers from five Southern African countries including South Africa and Zimbabwe, were barred from boarding the planes until there was clarity on the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant.
Sources say upon receiving information to leave Zimbabwean travellers, the flight then turned back to Harare and dropped the passengers.
Travellers that had pressing commitments in Europe and the US are said to have used other airlines and went via Tanzania with the hope of connecting to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, then Europe or the US.
Although not many of the sources were keen to be quoted for professional reasons, they confirmed that a Qatar Airways flight was forced to return to Harare and drop off passengers.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Tawanda Gusha, told The Herald on Monday night that the incident happened. Gusha added: 
<blockquote>
I don’t think it affects the Airports Company (of Zimbabwe) alone, but the whole nation. So a comment is better off from the national level.
</blockquote>
In a statement on Saturday, Qatar Airways said it will no longer be accepting passengers travelling from five Southern African countries while passengers travelling into these countries will continue to be accepted. 
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-variant-qatar-flies-passengers-back/">The Herald</a>

Qatar Airways Makes U-turn To Drop Passengers From Zimbabwe

Rwanda has ordered passengers who visited Zimbabwe and some countries in the SADC region to quarantine for seven days in the wake of Omicron, a new coronavirus variant that was detected in South Africa on the 25th of November. Pindula News presents a statement by the Rwanda government:
<blockquote>
<h2>Announcement on Omicron Quarantine</h2>
In order to contain the spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant designated a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization, passengers travelling from the following countries are required to quarantine for seven (7) days at their own cost at designated hotels upon arrival in Rwanda. This measure also applies to passengers who have visited any of these countries within seven days of arrival in Rwanda.
• Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
This list will be continuously updated upon assessment of global health conditions, in consultation with the relevant international institutions.
All other arriving passengers are required to quarantine for one (1) day at their own expense in designated hotels. A Covid-19 PCR test will be conducted on arrival at own cost, and an additional PCR test, covered by the Government of Rwanda, will be administered at a designated testing site on day seven (7) after arrival in Rwanda. All arriving passengers continue to be required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test prior to boarding. 
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Rwanda Orders Passengers Who Visited Zimbabwe, SADC To Quarantine For 7 Days

RwandAir has announced that it will not board passengers from South Africa and Zimbabwe travelling to Dubai due to the escalating COVID-19 variant, Omicron, that was first detected in South Africa on November 25. 
The decision by the national carrier comes after the United Arab Emirates banned travellers from the Sothern African countries. RwandAir said in a statement:
<blockquote>
Effective 29th November 2021, passengers originated from Zimbabwe and South Africa will not be allowed to enter United Arab Emirates.
</blockquote>
The airline said that the affected passengers will be offered the option to rebook and fly at a later date with no additional cost or request for a refund.
The outbreak of Omicron, the variant identified as B.1.1.529, prompted Rwanda to reinstate a 24-hour quarantine for all the travellers entering the country while all flights to and from Southern Africa have been suspended.
Preliminary data suggest the Omicron variant may be more infectious than the Delta, and also have multiple mutations.
Omicron has been confirmed in multiple countries including South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Israel and Belgium.
Rwanda Biomedical Centre has warned Rwandans about the variant and encouraged them to continue taking COVID-19 precautionary measures. 
More: <a href="https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/rwandair-bans-passengers-south-africa-zimbabwe-dubai-route">New Times</a>

RwandAir Bans Passengers From South Africa And Zimbabwe On Dubai Route

Rwanda has temporarily suspended direct flights to and from Southern Africa citing Omicron, a new Coronavirus variant that was first detected in South Africa. Pindula News presents a communique issued by Rwanda on the latest development:
<blockquote>
An extraordinary Cabinet meeting was chaired by His Excellency Paul KAGAME today to discuss Rwanda’s response to the Covid-19 Omicron variant, which has been designated a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization. While the variant has not been detected in Rwanda, its effects are potentially dangerous and therefore Rwandans and residents of Rwanda are required to exercise extra vigilance in the practice and enforcement of preventive measures.
Effective immediately:
• Direct flights between Rwanda and southern Africa are temporarily suspended.
• All arriving and departing passengers at Kigali International Airport must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure.
• All arriving passengers must quarantine for 24 hours at a designated hotel at their own cost. A Could-19 PCR test will be taken upon arrival at own cost, and an additional test, cowered by the Government of Rwanda, taken on day 7 from the arrival date, at a designated testing site.
• A 7-day quarantine at own cost will be required for passengers travelling from, or those with a recent history of travel in, particularly affected countries. This list will be communicated by the Ministry of Health, following continuous assessment of global health conditions, in collaboration with the relevant international institutions.
• People attending events/gatherings including conferences, concerts, weddings, festivals or exhibitions must be fully vaccinated and tested. As much as possible, gatherings should take place outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces.
All other existing health measures shall remain in force.
Rwandans are urged to get fully vaccinated, frequently tested, and continue being vigilant in practicing Covid-19 preventive measures including physical distancing, properly wearing face masks, ensuring proper ventilation, and hand hygiene.
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Rwanda Has Suspended Direct Flights To And From Southern Africa

Botswana has said the first people to test positive for Omicron, a new COVID-19 variant, are four foreign nationals who were visiting that country on a diplomatic mission. Pindula News presents the statement by Botswana’s Ministry of Health:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Health and Wellness wishes to inform members of the public that it is currently investigating certain mutations of the SARS COV-2 virus that was widely reported on social media, including international media, in the last two days. Four cases of the new variant were reported by our local scientists as part of the country’s routine genomic surveillance of SARS-COV-2. This variant is called B.1.1.529. 
This new virus was detected on four foreign nationals who had entered Botswana on the 7th of November 2021, on a diplomatic mission. The quartet tested positive for COVID-19 on the 11th November 2021 as they were preparing to return. Further genomic sequencing that was conducted on the samples confirmed the virus as B. 1. 1. 529 on 24 November 2021. ….. Immediate results of the ongoing investigations show that the new virus has many mutations, some of which have previously been characterised. The ministry is conducting further investigations and sample analysis to gain more knowledge and understanding about the properties and behaviour of this virus. Contrary to speculations and in some cases insinuations by some that the variant was only detected in Botswana, the truth is that the variant has so far been detected in other countries in Africa and beyond. 
Although all the four cases have since left the country, contact tracing is ongoing. All contacts who have so far been identified in the country, have no COVID-19 symptoms and have tested negative for COVID-19. As already indicated, more intimate and complex analysis of new COVID-19 positive cases are being conducted to search any trace of this new virus. Since this is a new development, information on the virus is still evolving and no major conclusions can be drawn as yet.
Therefore, the ministry calls upon members of the public not to panic, but remain vigilant and continue adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. 
Any further developments regarding this issue will be shared with the public. 
Thank you. 
Yours faithfully 
Dr Christopher Nyanga 
For Permanent Secretary
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

First Omicron Cases In Botswana Were Four Foreign Diplomats Who Were Visiting

The United Kingdom has reported that two cases of the new Omicron variant have been detected in the country. The COVID-19 variant was first detected in South Africa and has since been detected in many other countries.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that the two COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant were found in Chelmsford and Nottingham.
Both cases are now self-isolating at home with the families. According to Javid, the two cases are linked and are connected through “Southern Africa”.
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<div data-rendered-ad="1" id="ad_placement_content_2">The UK government identified the cases late on Friday evening. In response, the UK has decided to add four more African countries to its red list. These are Angola, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid:</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<figure class="wp-block-pullquote">
<blockquote>
We’ve always been really clear that we will do whatever is necessary to protect the progress that we have made as a country. We’ve come a long way, especially since the summer, and we keep all of this under review. If we need to take further action we will.
</blockquote>
</figure>
So far, the Omicron variant has been detected in Belgium, the UK, Israel and Hong Kong. 
The UK government has now ordered anyone who has travelled to a red list country in the last 10 days to self-isolate. They also have to do a PCR COVID test.
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<div data-rendered-ad="1" id="ad_placement_content_3">Targetted testing and genome sequencing are now also being done in Chelmsford and Nottingham. </div>
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<div data-rendered-ad="1">More: <a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-omicron-variant-uk/">The South African</a></div>
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New COVID-19 Variant Detected In The UK

South Africa said on Saturday it was being punished for its advanced ability to detect new COVID-19 variants early after some countries announced travel bans to South Africa and other countries in the region because of the new Omicron variant.
The Omicron variant was first discovered in South Africa and has since been detected in Belgium, Botswana, Israel and Hong Kong. 
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said the travel ban will have a negative impact on South Africa’s families, the travel and tourism industries and business. It said in a statement:
<blockquote>
 This latest round of travel bans is akin to punishing South Africa for its advanced genomic sequencing and the ability to detect new variants quicker.
Excellent science should be applauded and not punished.
</blockquote>
The foreign ministry noted that while the new variant was also detected in other countries, the global reaction to those countries has been “starkly different” to cases in southern Africa.
The new variant was first announced on Wednesday by a team of scientists in South Africa who said they had detected a variant that could possibly evade the body’s immune response and make it more transmissible.
On Friday the World Health Organization named it Omicron and designated it as a “variant of concern” – its most serious level – saying preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of re-infection. 
The government was engaging with countries that have imposed travel bans to persuade them to reconsider, it added.
On Friday, the WHO cautioned countries against hastily imposing travel restrictions linked to the variant, saying they should take a “risk-based and scientific approach”. 
More: <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/safrica-says-it-is-being-punished-early-covid-variant-detection-2021-11-27/">Reuters</a>

We're Being Punished For Detecting COVID-19 Variant Quicker - South Africa On Travel Bans

Omicron (COVID-19 Variant 1st detected in South Africa) Latest News

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