UNITED NATIONS, Nov 30 (Asia Free Press) The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed his deep concerned over the situation in African countries after several countries imposed travel restrictions following emerging Omicron variant.
“I’m deeply concerned about the isolation of southern African countries due to new #COVID19 travel restrictions. The people of Africa cannot be blamed for the immorally low level of vaccinations available & should not be penalized for sharing health information with the world,” the UN chief tweeted.
Several countries from Europe and other regions including Australia have imposed travel restrictions over South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe and Lesotho following new omicron variant reported from the region.
“I appeal to all governments to consider repeated testing for travelers, together with other appropriate and truly effective measures, with the objective of avoiding the risk of transmission so as to allow for travel and economic credentials,” Reuters quoted Guterres as saying
The Omicron variant of coronavirus carries a very high global risk of surges, the World Health Organisation ( WHO) warned on Monday, as more countries reported cases.
The UN chief also warned the inequality of vaccines distribution around the world especially poor countries facing the vaccines shortage.
“The people of Africa cannot be blamed for the immorally low level of vaccinations available in Africa – and they should not be penalized for identifying and sharing crucial science and health information with the world,” Guterres added.
