After a new COVID B.1.1.529 mutation variant emerged in South Africa this week, the Netherlands cricket team will reportedly not complete their ODI tour
South Africa has already been placed on the UK’s blacklist, and the EU and Singapore are poised to follow suit.
Explained What Is The New COVID B.1.1.529 Mutation Variant In South Africa And Its Cases
The first calamitous mutation of the virus after the Delta variant, the B.1.1.529 variant has lead to a massive spike in COVID cases in South Africa with one case being reported in Belgium as well. It was first identified in Botswana earlier in November and has since turned up in a traveler arriving in Hong Kong from South Africa.
Researchers spotted B.1.1.529 in genome-sequencing data from Botswana with the variant making for a cause of concern due to it containing in excess of 30 changes to the spike protein, the SARS-CoV-2 protein that recognizes host cells and is the main target of the body’s immune responses. These are linked to heightened infectivity and the ability to evade infection-blocking antibodies with the new variant likely to be named Nu.
Every few months, we hear about anew variant
Most turn out to not be much
Well, unfortunately, there's a new variant B.1.1.529 that is concerning
What do we know so far? A few things but not a lot
Reminder: when it comes to variants, we focus on three things
Short thread
— Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH (@ashishkjha) November 26, 2021
What Happens To Sports In South Africa As Countries Start Banning Travel To It
While there is no official word yet, the spread of the new COVID type might cause major delays to South Africa’s domestic international schedule. With the Proteas also due to face India next month, it’s unclear whether the BCCI will postpone the tour or proceed with it as planned. From mid-December onwards, the Men in Blue will play three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20Is.
The South Africa vs Netherlands series will not be completed, according to ESPNcricinfo. ESPNcricinfo’s South African correspondent, who is closely watching the RSA versus NED match, adds that they are unsure whether the cancellation will affect India’s trip of South Africa.
The only way the South African-Netherlands series can continue, according to the South African reporter, is if the Dutch players are willing to continue. The correspondent then tweeted that the Dutch players are having trouble getting back home, which is why they may be forced to stay in the country.
What About The India Tour Of South Africa?
According to PTI, a BCCI official said, “Look, we won’t be able to explain our next step until we obtain a clear picture of the ground situation from Cricket South Africa. The official further stated that, despite the fact that the players will fly from Mumbai to Johannesburg on a charter plane, they may be placed in rigorous quarantine depending on the circumstances at the time.
Meanwhile, PTI reported an official travelling with the ‘A’ team as stating, “A medical team from Cricket South Africa met with our representatives here after the outbreak. We were assured that there is not going to be any need to be concerned because the increase in instances was occurring far away from Bloemfontein.” This isn’t the first time that Cricket South Africa’s trips have been disrupted; both England and Australia cancelled tours last year.
AFCON 2022 In Doubt
While AFCON 2022 is set to go ahead as of now, there could be question marks raised over it if the variant spreads in Africa. France has as of now banned travel to South Africa for two days.