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The UK closes the border to South African travelers after a new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus is detected.
"Unfortunately, we've discovered a new variant that is worrying," said South African virologist Tulio de Oliveira in a hastily convened press conference on Thursday.
The variant called B. 1.1.529 has a very large number of mutations. "Unfortunately, this leads to an infection outbreak," he said.
South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla says the new variant gives rise to "serious concern". Because it is responsible for the "exceptional" rise in new infections.
A new variant of the virus in South Africa
A variant of the virus was also detected in Botswana and Hong Kong among people who were in South Africa.
The UK announced on Thursday that as a result of a new variant of the virus it would refuse entry to anyone from six South African countries.
Flights from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana will not land in the UK from 12am on Friday, says Health Minister Sajid Javid.
Source: NTB
(AP Photo / Denis Farrell, File)
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