Six African countries added to Northern Ireland red list amid new variant fears

Q Radio News/PA

Six African countries have been placed on Northern Ireland’s international travel red list after a new variant of Covid-19 was identified.

Anyone arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini will be contacted by the Public Health Agency and asked to self-isolate and take a PCR test from Friday.

It comes amid concerns over a large number of mutations in the new variant B.1.1.529, which has been identified in southern Africa.

A Department of Health statement said this could potentially have implications for transmissibility, clinical impact and vaccine effectiveness.

The move follows similar announcements made on Thursday in England and Scotland.

BREAKING

South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini added to NI travel 'red list' from tomorrow

"Evidence of a new Covid variant has been identified in South Africa as well as some other countries with travel links to South Africa..."

Stormont update: pic.twitter.com/uNuXBxKqa0

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 25, 2021

Chief medical officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “This is undoubtedly a matter of concern.

“We are taking the action on international travel on a precautionary basis, while we await further evidence on the spread of this variant in South Africa and understand more about it.

“The need for further measures will be kept under constant review and we will continue to liaise closely with public health colleagues in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

“I would also urge the public to be cautious. All variants of the Covid-19 virus spread in the same way – through contact between people.

“The best way to keep each other safe is to keep following public health advice.”

He added: “It is not possible at this stage to accurately assess the potential for this new variant to impact on vaccine effectiveness.

“This should in no way dissuade people from coming forward for their first and second doses and boosters.

“The Delta variant is currently dominant in Northern Ireland and the threat it poses to our citizens is very real.

“Thankfully, our vaccines provide a good level of protection against Delta and continue to represent our strongest line of defence against the virus.”

Sir Michael McBride