U.S. Bans Travel From Southern Africa As New Omicron Variant Emerges

The U.S. will restrict travel from South Africa — where the variant originated — and seven other countries in the region beginning Monday.

The discovery of a new coronavirus variant sent a chill through much of the world Friday as nations raced to halt air travel, markets fell sharply and scientists held emergency meetings to weigh the exact risks, which were largely unknown.

In response, the United States joined the European Union and several other countries in instituting travel restrictions on visitors from southern Africa — where the variant was first detected.