(News 1st); The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new COVID-19 variant to be “of concern” and had named it ‘OMICRON’.

The WHO said it had a large number of mutations, and early evidence suggested an increased reinfection risk.

It was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on 24th November, and has also been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.

A number of countries have now decided to ban or restrict travel to and from southern Africa.

Travelers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini will not be able to enter the UK unless they are UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents.

US officials said flights from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi would be blocked, with effect on Monday.

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