Illustration Photo (Photo: VNA)

Medical institutes in Vietnam are conducting gene sequencing of suspected new mutant infections, the Ministry said, adding that it has advised suspending all flights to and from southern African countries in response to Omicron. 

The Ministry proposed that all air travel to and from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho and Mozambique be halted, and entry visas for passengers coming from these countries be suspended. It said that it will continue to coordinate closely with the WHO and other agencies to implement international health regulations, promptly disseminate information about the variant, and take appropriate pandemic prevention measures.

The WHO said it was not yet clear whether Omicron, first detected in Southern Africa, is more transmissible than other variants, or if it causes more severe disease. 

The detection of Omicron triggered global alarm as governments around the world scrambled to impose new travel curbs. Omicron, dubbed a "variant of concern" last week by the WHO has now been detected in many countries including Australia, Belgium, and Britain.