South Africa refutes that a new alternative in Europe originates in the country
The South African government today refuted allegations that the new type of coronavirus that causes Covid-19, which has been detected in European Union member states, comes from South Africa.
“We also noted that new variants were detected in other countries. None of these cases had recent links to South Africa,” Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor said in a statement.
“It is important to note that the reaction to these countries is very different from the reaction to the cases in South Africa,” he added.
The South African diplomatic chief also considered that the “massive collapse” of the suspension in international calls imposed against the country in the past 24 hours, namely by the 27 member states of the European Union, was a “punishment” for Pretoria for publicly disclosing and sharing the latest news. A scientific discovery about Omicron, the new variant of the virus that causes Covid-19, was also discovered in South Africa.
“It’s the equivalent of punishing South Africa for advanced genetic sequencing and being able to discover new variants more quickly,” said Naledi Pandor.
“Excellent science should be commended and not punished. The minister said that the global community needs cooperation and partnerships in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Naledi Pandor stressed that South Africa “follows and applies the Covid-19 health protocols for international travel that are recognized around the world”.
He stressed that “no infected person is allowed to leave the country.”
And about the new measures that were announced, Naledi Pandor indicated that “the World Health Organization stressed the importance of waiting first for the results of scientific research.”
Ministry spokeswoman Lusa called, highlighting Belgium and Germany among the European countries that also did not share their scientific data on new variants of Covid-19 identified in their territory in time with the international community and the World Health Organization.
“We respect the right of all countries to take the necessary precautions to protect their citizens, but it is necessary to remember that this pandemic requires cooperation and the exchange of experiences,” Naledi Pandor stressed.
“Our immediate concern is the impact of these restrictions on families, on the travel and tourism industries, and on businesses,” the South African minister stressed.
“Writer. Analyst. Avid travel maven. Devoted twitter guru. Unapologetic pop culture expert. General zombie enthusiast.”
