OMICRON: SA SCIENTISTS STRIKE BACK: Travel ban threatens information sharing, weakens global solidarity

published in the authoritative medical journal, Lancet, on Saturday 4 December a group of eminent South African scientists have warned that the travel bans slapped on South Africa after reporting the Omicron variant was not only unwarranted but a threat to global solidarity and could have dire consequences for the sharing of information in future.

Apart from the United Kingdom, travel from South Africa has also been stopped by among others the United States, the European Union, Canada, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Seychelles, Brazil, Rwanda, Mauritius and Guatemala. Several other countries including Israel and the USA, swiftly followed suit with travel bans placed on flights from countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as a “precautionary measure.”

Referring to the travel bans, the authors stressed that this was unwarranted and has generated intense anger and frustration. “In 2002, the Chinese Government was criticised for withholding information on SARS. In November, 2021, South African scientists rapidly and transparently shared the findings of mutation and genomic sequences of the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant. Rather than applaud their generosity and openness, travel bans have had the opposite effect and could be damaging to the health response, economy, and freedom of movement.

EstelleEllis It isn't just South African scientists either, I've seen many from all over the world who agree.

EstelleEllis When sharing ceases to be caring because the receiver slaps you with a ban each time you extend a hand🤔

EstelleEllis This is sad- when scientists and medical doctors want to destroy scientific ethics because of dirty politics- this really threatens global health and solidarity.

EstelleEllis Not to be funny, and not as if my opinion would matter but, this editorial was NOT written very well. What, pray do tell, is the difference between Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2?

EstelleEllis Damn right they’re striking back. And they’re mighty pissed off!

EleniGiokos EstelleEllis Travel ban was just evil deeds by the west showing Africans middle finger

EstelleEllis Precisely. Long time coming

EstelleEllis Well done Boris. Enjoy the consequences.

EstelleEllis Information sharing and solidarity is not on the Tories’ list of principles. Especially the ‘sharing’ part

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