▲ South Africa announced on the 24th (local time) the existence of Omicron, a new mutation of Corona 19, early, giving countries around the world time to respond. claimed work. The photo shows South Africa being vaccinated against COVID-19. Currently, the vaccination completion rate is only about 24%. The African continent averaged 7% more,
Reuters file photo
Botswana, where ‘Omicron’, a novel mutation of COVID-19, was first reported, claimed that Omicron was first discovered by diplomats from other countries. South Africa is pointed to as the epicenter, suggesting the possibility that other countries may be the epicenter as the world locks its borders.
According to the African Times on the 29th (local time), the Botswana government announced in a statement that “the new virus (Omicron) was detected in four foreigners who visited the country on a diplomatic mission.” They entered Botswana on the 7th and tested positive for COVID-19 on the 11th, and a new mutation was found as a result of genome sequencing on the 24th.
However, the Botswana government did not disclose which country the diplomats were. After four of these people were confirmed, 15 more were confirmed to be infected with Omicron.
Edwin Dikorotti, Botswana’s Health Minister, said: “I am delighted that scientists have quickly identified the mutation. Our scientists deserve praise.”
South Africa is protesting against entry restrictions on South African countries, starting with the UK. In a situation where scientific analysis of Omicron’s epicenter and contagiousness has not been done, the border was hastily closed, causing enormous damage and losses. In particular, voices that define this as discrimination and hate are gaining strength in that countries around the world took these measures after promptly disclosing relevant information and cooperating with the international community right after Omicron was reported.
Tulio de Oliveira, director of the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) in South Africa, tweeted: “Despite the potential for discrimination from the international community, we are making scientific information transparent to protect our country and the world. “South Africa needs financial, public health and scientific support to prevent the spread of the mutation to the world,” he said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a live broadcast on the 28th (local time), “(The entry restriction) is not justified and unfairly discriminates against South African countries.” It will worsen your ability to recover.”
Correspondent Sora Kim sora@seoul.co.kr
