Ammon News - Arab countries have taken strict measures after the World Health Organisation announced the emergence of the new covid-19 Omicron variant in southern African countries.

Moroccan authorities decided Friday to suspend incoming flights from South Africa and France, starting Sunday, according to Moroccan News Agency (MAP).

Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority said it was reintroducing the red list system by adding 6 countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini, based on the recommendation of the national medical team, according to Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

Saudi Arabia said yesterday it was suspending flights from 7 countries due to concerns related to the new coronavirus variant, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Egyptian Ministry of Health also announced that the level of readiness was being raised at all land, sea and air ports to ensure the health safety of arrivals, and that incoming flights from South Africa were suspended, according to the Egyptian daily Youm7.

In Kuwait, the Civil Aviation Authority said a negative PCR test is required along with adherence to procedures related to vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals before arrival, under circulars issued in this regard, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Oman said it was halting the entry of passengers from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique, starting Sunday, due to fears over the new strain of the virus, according to the Oman News Agency.

The Palestinian Health Ministry announced it contacted concerned countries to find out the nature of the new variant and the extent of its spread, indicating that procedures will be tightened at crossings and borders.

Here in Amman, the Ministry of Interior, upon a recommendation by the Ministry of Health, decided yesterday to halt the entry to non-Jordanians from South Africa and neighbouring countries, starting Sunday.