Travel curbs on South African nations slammed by WHO as Omicron cases rise

Travel bans related to Omicron, the newly discovered COVID variant, on southern African countries was criticised by the World Health Organization on Sunday, while further urging countries to not take such measures.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa, said that countries should use the regulations proposed by international health organisations and science to avoid imposing travel restrictions.

The WHO official said in a statement on Sunday, “Travel restrictions may play a role in slightly reducing the spread of COVID-19 but place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods”, according to reports from Associated Press.

He added, “If restrictions are implemented, they should not be unnecessarily invasive or intrusive, and should be scientifically based, according to the International Health Regulations, which is a legally binding instrument of international law recognised by over 190 nations.”

Multiple experts across the globe have said that there is no data that suggests Omicron — recognised as a variant of concern by the WHO– induces a more serious illness than other variants of the coronavirus.

As cases related to the Omicron variant have popped up across the world in the last two days, multiple countries have scrambled to shut their borders for those travelling from southern African countries. 

Israel decided to bar entry to foreigners, and Morocco said it would suspend all incoming flights for two weeks starting Monday. The United States plans to ban travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries starting Monday.

Moeti praised South Africa for following international health regulations and informing WHO as soon as its national laboratory identified the Omicron variant, according to reports from Associated Press.

“The speed and transparency of the South African and Botswana governments in informing the world of the new variant is to be commended,” said Moeti.