Omicron COVID Variant and South Africa

Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, there have been many mutations, the newest being the Omicron Variant. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 was discovered in South Africa in late November 2021, by a group of scientists at the Network for Genomic Surveillance. According to Tulio de Oliveira, the director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University, the discovery came after he and a group of scientists noticed an increase in the number of cases after the Delta variants cases had already settled down in the area (Gauteng Province, South Africa). The group increased surveillance in the province and more closely monitored the new cases. Through this monitoring, they found the new and very mutated virus, and swiftly alerted the director of public health. The new mutation was officially announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday, November 26, 2021, called the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529, or Omicron. 

There is still very little known about the severity and transmission of the Omicron variant compared to previous variants. However, it has traveled quickly and has been detected in South Africa and Botswana, as well as in travelers to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Réunion, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Due to the high number of mutations in the variant, scientists worldwide fear that it will be more transmissible, and have an increased risk for reinfection. In the announcement made by the WHO, they explained, “The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. Several labs have indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected (called S gene dropout or S gene target failure) and this test can therefore be used as a  marker for this variant, pending sequencing confirmation. Using this approach, this variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.” The International Community has also expressed concern that this variant may be more severe, however, there is not enough evidence to substantiate this claim so far. 

In response to the announcement of the variant in South Africa, multiple countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have placed travel restrictions on South Africa, and the southern part of the continent. Flights were abruptly grounded and kept from departure, very soon after the variant was announced. Additionally, Israel and Japan have reenacted strict travel bans, not only from South Africa but worldwide. However, the South African Health Minister explained there is no need to panic and fears isolation from the rest of the world. Southern Africa relies on tourism as a big part of their economy, and was hurt significantly by these restrictions in 2020, and a repeat would cause even more harm. Even further, travel bans have not been the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, lessening travel helped slightly, but limiting the spread stemmed mostly from hand-washing, isolation ,and early detection. According to NPR and the Journal of Emergency Management, “little evidence exists to prove that international travel bans are effective in controlling the spread of infectious disease, and such measures should only be taken if recommended by the World Health Organization. With the omicron variant, the WHO has already cautioned against imposing travel bans.” While the extent of the new virus remains unknown, travel restrictions are not the most effective tool at preventing the spread, as the new variant has been found in over 20 countries already. 

The immediate travel restrictions on South Africa from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, were met with backlash about the source of the virus. While the variant was discovered in South Africa, this does not mean it mutated and was formed there. Leaders from South Africa and the WHO have spoken out and condemned the travel restrictions that were imposed. President Lazarus Chakwere of Malawi expressed their anger and explained, “we are all concerned about the new COVID variant and owe South Africa's scientists our thanks for identifying it before anyone else did, but the unilateral travel bans now imposed on SADC [Southern African Development Community] countries by the UK, EU, US, Australia, and others are uncalled for. COVID measures must be based on science, not Afrophobia.” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa agreed with this sentiment and said that the measures “​​unfairly discriminate against our country and our southern African sister countries.” They called for the restrictions to be revoked. With time, and further research, it has been discovered that the variant was actually present in Europe before it was in southern Africa. Cases of the new variant in the Netherlands predated the cases found in South Africa. 

The Omicron variant is spreading quickly worldwide, and the international community must remain diligent in monitoring the virus, and in preventing the spread, in ways more effective than travel bans. 

MOST RECENT ARTICLE