The European Commission has recommended all member states suspend flights from countries affected by a new variant of Covid-19.
It's in response to the emergence of a new variant which could be more transmissible than the Delta variant.
The European Union's contracts with manufacturers say that the vaccine must be adapted immediately to new variants as they emerge.
Europe has taken precautions. pic.twitter.com/yVlLx7GcmI
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 26, 2021
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the vaccine contracts with pharma companies say their jabs must be adapted to the emergence of new variants.
European Commission recommends suspending flights from Southern Africa and countries affected with new variant, until more information is known. pic.twitter.com/oCzNtBvd6r
— Ben Finnegan (@_BenFinnegan) November 26, 2021
"The European Commission has today proposed that member states activate the 'emergency brake' on travel from countries in southern African and other countries affected to limit the spread of the new variant.
"All air travel to these countries should be suspended until we have a clear understanding about the danger posed by this new variant.
"And travelers returning from this region should respect strict quarantine rules."
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says there are no plans to close retail or hospitality for the moment.
Notes the legislation on mandatory hotel quarantine has lapsed so new laws would need to be passed if needed to deal with the new variant
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 26, 2021
Mandatory hotel quarantine may be reintroduced in Ireland due to the emergence of this new variant after the system was ended in September.
