The latest Covid-19 variant, Lambda, scientifically known as C.37, has been detected in the UK and is now spreading in more than 30 countries.
It is reported that this new variant might be resistant to vaccines and is spreading faster than normal.
According to the Independent, this new strain was first identified in Peru in samples dating as early as December 2020.
Is the lambda variant spreading in South Africa?
Among countries recording the highest number of infections are Chile (840), the USA (622), and Peru (242). It seems like this new variant hasn’t penetrated the South African lands, however, it seems like it will find its way in soon because it has already been detected in Zimbabwe.
Other countries that are affected include Germany, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain.
South Africans are still battling against the Delta variant which is responsible for the high infection rate in the Gauteng province. According to Mail & Guardian, scientists around the world are now monitoring a mutation of the Delta variant, commonly known as Delta Plus.
Are borders open to travellers from other countries in South Africa?
The country has been on adjusted Alert Level 4 since 28 June 2021 and amendments to the lockdown have not been made yet.
The Department of Health has also not mentioned anything regarding the new variant. However, since the lockdown regulations were updated, the president announced a partial re-opening of borders.
The president said that the 20 land borders which are fully operational, will remain as such and the 33 land borders which are closed, would remain closed. The president also mentioned that travelling to and from the Republic is allowed and subject to sub-regulation.
Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend or teach at a school in South Africa, who are allowed entry and exit from South Africa are subject to compliance protocols such as screening for COVID-19 and quarantine or isolation, where necessary.
International air travel is restricted to OR Tambo International Aiport, King Shaka International airport, Cape Town International Airport, and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. All international travellers arriving at the mentioned airports are required to provide a certificate of negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.