Reaction from WHO to countries going to travel restriction due to Omicron variant

Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to the countries that apply travel restrictions to the countries where the Omicron variant of the new type of coronavirus (Kovid-19) is seen, “I am worried that some member countries resort to general and wholesale measures.” He reacted with his words.

Reaction from WHO to countries going to travel restriction due to Omikron variant — Güney Afrika’dan ABD’nin New Jersey kentindeki Newark Havalimanı’na gelen yolcular (AFP)

Addressing the representatives of 194 WHO member countries in Geneva, Ghebreyesus evaluated the latest developments regarding the omicron variant.

Ghebreyesus stated that they take the developments regarding the new variant very seriously and that the member countries should show the same seriousness.

Stating that no one should be surprised because of the Omicron variant, Ghebreyesus said, “As I have said before, as long as the pandemic continues and equality in vaccination is not achieved, there will be more opportunities for the virus to mutate in ways we cannot predict.” said.

Ghebreyesus said, “We still have many unanswered questions regarding the contagiousness and severity of Omikron and the effectiveness of testing and vaccination against this variant. Our Secretariat continues to work with its relevant partners to close the lack of information on this issue.” he said.

South Africa and Botswana being punished for doing the right thing

Thanking the Republic of South Africa and Botswana for quickly identifying the variant and reporting it to WHO, Ghebreyesus said: “I am deeply concerned that these countries are being punished for doing the right thing.” used the phrase.

Regarding countries that have canceled flights from countries where the variant originated, Ghebreyesus said: “I understand very well the countries that want to protect their citizens against a variant that we do not fully understand yet, but I am equally concerned that some member states have resorted to general and wholesale measures that are not based on evidence and will only make the injustice worse. ” made its assessment.

Ghebreyesus, who called on member countries to take precautions against the variant with a rational approach and to accelerate efforts to ensure global equality in vaccination, said, “The global fight against the variant should be done in a calm, coordinated and harmonious manner.” said.

Reminding that the world is also struggling with the delta variant of Kovid-19, Ghebreyesus said, “If we apply measures to prevent contagion, we will also fight omicron and save more lives.” he said.

It was reported that the B.1.1.529 variant, named “Omicron” by the World Health Organization, was detected on 25 November in the Republic of South Africa.

Many countries, including Turkey, have decided to impose a travel ban on South Africa due to the omicron variant.