UN secretary-general says travel restrictions from Omicron are unfair

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized countries’ travel restrictions due to the outbreak of Omicron, a new mutant virus of COVID-19, as unfair.

After the African Union (AU)-UN annual meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the 1st local time, Guterres said, “The virus has no borders.” “Travel restrictions that isolate a country or region are very unfair and punitive. Not only is it an enemy, it has no effect.”

These comments criticize the travel restrictions introduced by countries around the world against African countries, such as South Africa, where the omicron mutation first occurred.

In particular, South Africa, who discovered and reported the omicron mutation early to the international community, is complaining strongly that it is being discriminated against.

“Africans should not be punished collectively for discovering and sharing vital health science information with the world,” Guterres said.

He then urged all countries, including Africa, to have the capacity to manufacture a vaccine, stating that only 6% of Africa’s population has been vaccinated.

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