Omicron variant: Festive inter-provincial travel ban hinted
Updated | By Gcinokuhle Malinga
Health Minister Joe Phaahla says there is a possibility of an inter-provincial travel ban this festive season, as a result of the increasing COVID-19 cases.
"The virus gets around when there is movement so there might be some element of movement restriction, however I am not in a position to guarantee that there won't be restrictions, especially non-essential travel. It will depend on our risk adjusted approach", he said.
Minister Phaahla was speaking at media briefing last night on the latest developments around the new covid-19 variant. He dispelled the notion that the vaccine will not work against the new B.1.1.529 variant.
"The announcement around the variant and the risks presented by scientists was merely to show what we need to be aware of. There is no indication at this stage that illness from this variant will not be prevented by the vaccine", Phaahla said.
He says the reaction by a number of countries of enforcing travel bans, particularly against South Africa, following the discovery of the new COVID-19 variant, is unjustified.
"The reaction by some countries to impose travel bans are completely against the norms and standards as guided by the World Health Organisation", Phaahla said.
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