The UK is banning travellers from 6 South African countries with Israel also following suit

This comes as scientists raise an urgent alarm over the possibility of a new Covid variant which was first detected in Botswana. 

The World Health Organisation has responded by calling an emergency meeting… as nations including Britain consider imposing a travel ban on the African continent.

Researchers say the strain spreads very quickly and has a “very unusual constellation of mutations’’.

Over 30 mutations have been seen in the new variant with British officials concerned that this may make vaccines less effective.

The WHO will also make a decision as to whether or not this latest strain will be labelled as “NU” – which is the next available letter in the Greek alphabet.

South Africa‘s Health Minister says authorities are on high alert, and believes a recent spike of cases can be attributed to this new variant.

It is likely to have evolved following the infection of an immuno-compromised person, who is likely to have untreated HIV/AIDS.