UK's decision to ban SA flights due to new variant 'rushed'
Updated | By Lauren Beukes
The Department of International Relations says the United Kingdom appears to have rushed the decision to impose a travel ban on South Africa.
The UK introduced the restrictions for six African countries due to the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant here that scientists say is the "worst they've seen so far".
We've been placed on a red list and flights will temporarily be banned from Friday.
The announcement came as South Africa's coronavirus infections doubled in 48 hours.
The department's Clayson Monyela says while Britain has the right to take precautions - the travel ban will hurt our economy.
"Minister Naledi Pandor said our immediate concern is the damage that this decision will cause to both the tourism industries and businesses of both countries.
"South Africa will engage the UK government with the view to persuade the to reconsider this decision."
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