WHO "New Variant Analysis Will Take Weeks... Caution Needed for Travel Restrictions"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it will take several weeks to analyze the new COVID-19 variant ‘Nu (B.1.1.529)’.

Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesperson, stated on the 26th (local time) during a virtual press briefing at the United Nations Geneva office, "We are analyzing how the mutations affect transmissibility and fatality rates."

The Nu variant, spreading in South Africa, has 32 spike protein mutations, which is double the 16 mutations found in the Delta variant.

In particular, there are analyses suggesting that it could potentially evade both natural immunity acquired from previous infections and immune responses generated by existing vaccines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) convened an emergency meeting on the same day. Experts are assessing the risk level of the new variant and discussing whether to assign it a name.

Regarding the announcements by the UK, Germany, Italy, and others to restrict flights to and from South Africa to prevent the spread of the variant, WHO expressed opposition, stating, "At this point, travel restrictions require caution. Scientific approaches based on risk assessment are necessary."