Brazil is likely to join a rush to restrict air travel from South Africa and surrounding countries after the discovery of a more virulent Covid-19 variant there.
Brazil's health regulatory agency Anvisa issued a technical opinion recommending the restriction of flights and travellers from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The move comes less than two months after Brazil lifted restrictions on flights from South Africa.
The UK government banned flights starting today from South Africa and five surrounding countries while the newly detected B.1.1.529 coronavirus variant is investigated. The flight ban will remain in place until 28 November, when hotel quarantine will be reintroduced for arrivals from the six countries.
Singapore is among other countries that have also reimposed flight restrictions from the region.
The flurry of renewed flight restrictions has brought down crude prices and the share prices of international oil companies in response to the prospect of lower oil demand ahead of the holiday travel season.
By Patricia Garip
