Omicron: U.S Restricts Entry Of Travelers From South Africa, Seven Other Countries
LAGOS NOVEMBER 30TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The United States has restricted entry of travelers from South Africa and seven other countries as part of measures to contain the new Omicron.
However, the new restriction does not ban United States citizens and lawful U.S residents.
The order effective Monday, November 29, 2021, banned travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi from coming to the United States.
“As a precautionary measure until we have more information, I am ordering additional air travel restrictions from South Africa and seven other countries. These new restrictions will take effect on November 29. As we move forward, we will continue to be guided by what the science and my medical team advises.
“With specific exceptions, this Presidential Proclamation suspends the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of noncitizens who were physically present within the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.
“Citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States, certain family members, and other individuals who meet specified exceptions, who have been in one of the countries listed above in the past 14 days will be allowed to enter the United States”, President Joe Biden declared in a Proclamation Order on Friday.
The White House announced the decision after the World Health Organization (WHO) said the Omicron virus, was “a variant of concern”, a category for dangerous variants that may spread quickly, cause severe disease or decrease the effectiveness of vaccines or treatments.
The Omicron variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on 24 November, and has since been identified in other countries.
However, as part of measures, President Biden further issued an advisory to Americans as part of precautionary guide to contain the deadly virus: “First, for those Americans who are fully vaccinated against severe COVID illness – fortunately, for the vast majority of our adults, the best way to strengthen your protection is to get a booster shot, as soon as you are eligible. Boosters are approved for all adults over 18, six months past their vaccination and are available at 80,000 locations coast-to-coast. They are safe, free, and convenient. Get your booster shot now, so you can have this additional protection during the holiday season.
“Secondly, for those not yet fully vaccinated: get vaccinated today. This includes both children and adults. America is leading the world in vaccinating children ages 5-11, and has been vaccinating teens for many months now – but we need more Americans in all age groups to get this life-saving protection. If you have not gotten vaccinated, or have not taken your children to get vaccinated, now is the time.
“Finally, for the world community: the news about this new variant should make clearer than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations. The United States has already donated more vaccines to other countries than every other country combined. It is time for other countries to match America’s speed and generosity.
“In addition, I call on the nations gathering next week for the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting to meet the U.S. challenge to waive intellectual property protections for COVID vaccines, so these vaccines can be manufactured globally. I endorsed this position in April; this news today reiterates the importance of moving on this quickly”, U.S. President , Joe Biden said in a statement on Friday.
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