Covid-19.The B.1.1.529 variant, also known as the Omicron or Nu variant after the WHO declared it a "variant of concern", has also been detected in Belgium, Israel, Malawi and Hong Kong.
There is widespread speculation that other countries could be added to the Red List at very short notice.Travel industry experts fear its emergence could threaten Christmas holidays for Brits.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said that the Government was “continuing to make assessments, including about those countries with strong travel links to South Africa.”The decision comes as Variant B.1.1.529 is declared a variant under investigation (VuI) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).