The Omicron variant of coronavirus has been detected in several more countries, prompting nervous governments to impose tough travel restrictions to try to keep it at bay while scientists race to establish how dangerous it might be. South Africa has strongly criticised the restrictions that a growing number of countries have placed on travel from the region. Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would not move into a stricter lockdown, but the government would explore ways to make vaccines mandatory. South Africa and Botswana have fully vaccinated less than 25% of their populations. Omicron cases in Europe had already been reported in Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands before Portugal identified 13 infections among members of the professional football team Belenenses.

Source: The Guardian November 30, 2021 20:06 UTC