PRETORIA, South Africa - South Africa’s minister of health has taken issue with how certain countries have responded to the news that South African scientists identified a new, highly mutated COVID-19 variant.Many European countries and Japan have announced travel restrictions for South Africa and neighboring countries.
In a news conference Friday, Dr. Joe Phaahla said such reactions are "not an answer.""If a country, through its scientific surveillance, is able to identify a particular variant, it is the wrong approach to then ascribe that particular variant to that particular country," Phaahla said.A view of Dr.
Joe Phaahla during Dr. Zwelini Mkhize (Health Minister), David Makhura (Gauteng Premier) and Dr. Bandile Masuku (MEC for Health).