A health expert said those returning from South Africa should be treated the same as those returning from the UK, after reports on a second, possibly more infectious coronavirus variant originating from South Africa has been found. HKU microbiologist Ho Pak-leung said in a radio program today that the new virus strain from South Africa is not the same as the one discovered in the UK, suggesting authorities also step up quarantine measures for arrivals in the city from South Africa. The second variant of the virus strain found originated from South Africa was said to be even more transmissible, which have mutated further than the variant that has been discovered in the UK, according to reports. “Those who returned from the UK in the past two months should refrain from joining parties during Christmas and should go to community testing centers to get tested again,” stressed Ho. Those who have already arrived from the UK will have to undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days in designated quarantine hotels.

Source: The Standard December 24, 2020 08:03 UTC