UK suspends flights to 6 African countries as new COVID variant emerges with over 30 mutations

The new COID-19 Variant B.1.1.529 is declared a Variant under Investigation (VuI) by the UK Health Security Agency.

London: UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Thursday announced a temporary suspension of flights from six countries after reports emerged that a new COVID variant with more than 30 mutations is spreading in South Africa. The new Variant B.1.1.529 is declared a Variant under Investigation (VuI) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

"The variant includes a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. These are potentially biologically significant mutations that may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility. More investigation is required," UK Health Security Agency said in a statement.

Taking to Twitter, Javid said UKHSA is "investigating a new variant and more data is needed but we`re taking precautions now." "From noon tomorrow six African countries will be added to the red list, flights will be temporarily banned, and UK travellers must quarantine," he said.