Alexander Winning and Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA (Reuters). The World Health Organisation (WHO), on Friday, classified South Africa’s B.1.1.529 strain as a SARS CoV-2 variant “variant of concern,” and warned that it might spread quicker than other forms.

The preliminary evidence indicated that reinfection is more likely and that COVID-19 epidemiology has changed in the past. This was stated in a statement by COVID-19 after an open meeting with independent experts, who reviewed the data.

According to WHO, infections in South Africa have risen sharply over the past weeks due to detection of the omicron variant.

This variant contains a number of genetic mutations that are troubling. The variant has a higher risk of reinfection than the other (variants that are of concern), preliminary evidence shows.

Omicron is fifth to be given this designation.

The WHO stated that “This variant was detected faster than other surges of infection and suggests that it may have a growth advantage.”

The variant is still being detected by PCR, according to the company.

An earlier warning by the WHO, countries should not impose travel restrictions related to COVID-19. They need to take a risk-based, scientific approach.

The new South African variant was detected by global authorities. Britain and the EU tightened border controls, as scientists tried to determine if it was resistant to vaccines. [L1N2SH089]

Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesperson, stated that “At the moment, implementing travel precautions is being cautioned against.” He spoke at a U.N. briefing held in Geneva. The WHO suggests that all countries maintain a scientific and risk-based approach to implementing travel precautions.

His explanation was that the determination of whether the variant is transmissible and how effective vaccines and therapies against it will take many weeks. He also noted that only 100 reports of this variant were made so far.

Lindmeier said that people should still wear masks when possible and avoid large crowds. He also suggested ventilating rooms, hand hygiene, and avoiding noisy places.

Mike Ryan (WHO’s emergency director) praised South African health facilities for picking up on the sign of the new variant.

However, he cautioned that even though some countries do have such systems in place, many others are not.

“So, it is really vital that there aren’t any knee-jerk reactions here. He said this, especially in relation to South Africa. We’ve learned in the past that if there’s any hint of variation, everyone closes borders and limits travel.