COVID-19, the character of these past two years that has kept on stealing the show by presenting new obstacles; there is a new one and that is it’s new variants. Although there have been much progress since the pandemic started, it cannot be deny that the objectivity of the matter is the fact that this isn’t over. COVID-19 is a virus and, as viruses can, it will mutate new variants and this one was no exception. To wit:

Delta; first identified in India, the Delta variant can spread more easily than other variants and can infect fully vaccinated people, yet it is uncommon and the vaccine will prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. 

Omicron; first identified in South Africa, the Omicron variant is actually the most contagious, including Delta. Since this variant is the newest one, it’s severity is still unclear but the vaccine was made to prevent such variants of the virus to lead to hospitalizations and deaths.

(All information given above was provided by the CDC)

Infographic of how a COVID-19 variant is mutated and spread.

Although one would believe the healthcare community would be more focused on exploring and solving the issue, unfortunately, the situation has caused division in continents all over again. 

Having identified the new Omicron variant, South Africa expected to be praised for their quick find yet they claim they were punished instead. As soon as foreign powers heard word of the new variant, the world restricted travel from South Africa and were left to fend for themselves. 

A statement by the South African foreign ministry on Saturday strongly criticized the travel bans. “Excellent science should be applauded and not punished,” it said. The bans were “akin to punishing South Africa for its advanced genomic sequencing and the ability to detect new variants quicker.”

The variant has actually already been detected in other continents including Europe and Asia with the Netherlands, Israel, and the UK having a surge in cases. 

An African Union official told the BBC developed countries were to blame for the emergence of the variant.

“What is going on right now is inevitable; it’s a result of the world’s failure to vaccinate in an equitable, urgent and speedy manner. It is as a result of hoarding [of vaccines] by high-income countries of the world, and quite frankly it is unacceptable,” said AU vaccine delivery alliance co-chair Ayoade Alakija. “These travel bans are based in politics, and not in science. It is wrong… Why are we locking away Africa when this virus is already on three continents?”

With the UK, US, Australia, Japan, India, and Canada locking themselves away from South Africa, division is found anew against the face of the unknown. 

A question that is probably on everyone’s minds is, ‘should I be concerned?’. The answer: It’s concerning enough to continue undergoing the measures that are available. Once again in a time of speculation with questions like if the vaccine works against it or if it’s severe continues, so the best way to assess the situation is to make use of your access to vaccines, the boosters, masks, etc.  It’s a time to reflect on the past, not give into division, and unite efforts to transition out of the pandemic. 

So, if you’re planning to travel for the upcoming holidays, take all the precautions available to you not only for yourself but for others. Remember to show compassion and kindness these holidays, but most of all remain in good health to welcome another year, 2022.