Apply risk-based approach when implementing travel measures: WHO tells nations on new Covid variant

The World Health Organization will evaluate whether it constitutes a variant of interest or a variant of concern, amd will share then further guidance for governments on action they can take,

Instead of hastily imposing travel restrictions linked to the new B.1.1.529 variant of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised countries to a "risk-based and scientific approach". "At this point, implementing travel measures is being cautioned against," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told a UN briefing in Geneva, adding, "The WHO recommends that countries continue to apply a risk-based and scientific approach when implementing travel measures."

The WHO, which has convened an experts' meeting on Friday (November 25) to evaluate whether it constitutes a variant of interest or a variant of concern, will share further guidance for governments on action they can take, he said. It will take a few weeks to understand the variant's impact, and researchers are working to determine how transmissible it is and how it will affect therapeutics and vaccines, he added.

Also read: COVID-19's new variant leaves world in a tizzy - here's all we know