The new variant, named omicron last week, was first discovered in Botswana, but cases have now been detected across the world. 

Much to the ire of South Africans who say their country is being punished for good science and transparency, the UK, US, and the EU have all restricted travel from southern Africa amid concern over the new variant.

South African demographics are different from the UK. Only about six per cent of the population are over the age of 65, meaning that older individuals who are more vulnerable to the virus may take some time to present severe symptoms. 

Africa’s most industrialised nation has been hit harder by the pandemic than any other country on the continent. The country of 60m people has recorded just under 90,000 Covid-19 deaths since the pandemic began. 

However, excess deaths –  the number of deaths above the average when compared to pre-pandemic years – is thought to be far higher. The South African Medical Research Council says there have been more than 270,000 excess deaths in the country, almost twice the UK’s figure.

About 14.3m people – or 35 per cent of adults – in South Africa are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

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