UN Chief faults Covid Travel Bans on Southern Africa

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says he is “deeply concerned” by travel bans on southern Africa.

In a statement shared by his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, he added that the lack of vaccines in those countries was a factor in the emergence of the new variant.

“The people of Africa cannot be blamed for the immorally low level of vaccinations available in Africa – and they should not be penalised for identifying and sharing crucial science and health information with the world.” The UN chief said.

Mr. Dujarric further explained in a press briefing that the UN chief viewed the “blanket barring of certain citizens” as a “form of collective punishment.”

The UN chief has appealed to governments to consider ‘scientific-based solutions’ such as increased testing and
quarantine, if need be.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq