New Covid variant triggers alert: World prepares to go into shell, again

UK, EU apply travel restrictions ; don't be hasty, says WHO

More countries were tightening their travel restrictions after a new coronavirus variant was identified in southern Africa earlier this week.

This even as the World Health Organisation (WHO) cautioned governments against hastily imposing travel restrictions linked to the new B.1.1.529 variant, saying they should take a “risk-based and scientific approach”. On the other hand, the UN’s tourism body said countries need to decide swiftly on applying travel restrictions and make such rules uniform.

The UK's health authorities have confirmed that the new and “most significant” variant of Covid-19 is officially under investigation in the country. The country  – where no