coronavirus

US Travel Ban Takes Effect as Omicron Variant Is Detected in More Countries

President Joe Biden's restrictions on air travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries starts Monday

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There have been no confirmed cases of the omicron COVID-19 variant in the U.S. yet, but Dr. Anthony Fauci says it could already be here.

President Joe Biden's ban on travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries goes into effect Monday over concerns about the new omicron COVID-19 variant.

“It’s going to give us a period of time to enhance our preparedness,” the United States’ top infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said of the ban Sunday during a television appearance.

There have been no confirmed cases in the United States yet, but Fauci said it might already be here. Canada's health minister said that country's first two cases of omicron were found in Ontario after two individuals who had recently traveled from Nigeria tested positive.

A new variant, named B.1.1.529, was named a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization and given the name “omicron” from the letter in the Greek alphabet.

Authorities in Australia said two travelers who arrived in Sydney from Africa became the first in the country to test positive for the new variant. Arrivals from nine African countries are now required to quarantine in a hotel upon arrival. Two German states reported a total of three cases in returning travelers over the weekend.

The variant was identified days ago by researchers in South Africa, and much is still not known about it, including whether it is more contagious, more likely to cause serious illness or more able to evade the protection of vaccines. But many countries rushed to act, reflecting anxiety about anything that could prolong the pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people.

Fauci says it is especially concerning because it has so many mutations, and that means it could potentially be even more contagious than some other variants.

Doctors also say it's still unclear how effective the current vaccines are against omicron.

"They're testing it right as we speak to determine whether those who have been vaccinated and produce antibodies -- if those are effective antibodies, what we call neutralizing antibodies -- against the new variant," said Dr. Michael Misialek, associate chair of pathology at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. "The news of this variant should serve as a wake-up call to those who have let down their defenses some. It should serve as a reminder for those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated."

As for the travel restrictions, Biden says they'll remain in effect until the U.S. has more information about the omicron variant. Those restrictions will not apply to U.S. citizens.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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