There’s A New COVID Variant and Scientists Believe It’s So Bad, Travel Bans Are Being Put Into Place

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read our disclosure policy here

Just when we think we could be on the upswing of things, this happens…

It was announced today there there’s a new COVID strain and it’s so bad, travel bans are being put into place as of Monday. YIKES!

The new COVID-19 strain has been named the Omicron variant and although it has yet been identified in the United States, the US government is trying to get on top of it.

Magnifying glass showing red virus bacteria, 3d microscopic microorganism background, modern biotechnology concept

This variant has some mutations that are raising concerns across the world. It is said scientists believe it may be immune to the vaccines we have and it more highly contagious.

It emerged in South Africa and is currently spreading like wildfire right now.

The good news is, In a statement Friday, the CDC said any cases would be identified quickly through the nation’s variant surveillance system.

“We are working with other U.S. and global public health and industry partners to learn more about this variant, as we continue to monitor its path,” the statement said.
“CDC is continuously monitoring variants and the U.S. variant surveillance system has reliably detected new variants in this country. We expect Omicron to be identified quickly, if it emerges in the U.S.,” it added.

CNN

As of now, President Biden has signed the official proclamation restricting travel from southern Africa that will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

The proclamation will apply to those who have been “physically present” in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe during the “14-day period preceding their entry, or attempted entry into the United States.”

The proclamation includes a list of those exempted from the new restrictions including citizens, lawful permanent residents, and noncitizens who are the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident.

The order will remain in effect until terminated by the President and will not apply to any flights scheduled to arrive in the US that departed prior to 12:01 a.m. ET Monday.

So, what do we do? We continue to be careful. Get vaccinated, wear your masks and stay away from those who are sick.

Photos courtesy of Deposit Photos.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *