Thailand Bans Travellers From 8 African Nations Over New Variant Concerns
NDTV
Thailand's travel ban comes amid reports that the new, more contagious Omicron variant has already reached Asia and Europe, with one case in Hong Kong and another confirmed infection in Belgium.
Thailand said Saturday it will ban travellers from eight southern African countries where a new Covid-19 strain has emerged.
The World Health Organization has named the new "variant of concern" Omicron, and scientists are racing to understand it and whether vaccines need adjustments.
The variant has already reached Asia and Europe with one case in Hong Kong and a confirmed infection in Belgium.
Thailand's disease control department said people from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe would be barred entry from December.
