The Omicron variant is the latest challenge facing the Biden Administration’s pandemic response. The first cases were identified in South Africa, but the variant has since spread to more than 25 countries, including the U.S. However, President Biden’s travel ban only applies to eight African countries.
The restrictions have been met with criticism. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called the travel bans ‘unjustified’.
“The imposition of travel bans on South Africa, and a number of countries from southern Africa, are regrettable, unfair and unscientific,” Ramaphosa said. “Given that it was our own scientists, African scientists, who first detected the Omicron variant, it is also a slap in the face to African excellence and expertise.”
Some of the loudest criticism has come from American conservatives, who say Biden’s recent actions are hypocritical. They point to March 2020, when he tweeted criticism of then-President Trump for implementing travel restrictions on Europe.
The World Health Organization weighed in, as well, labeling the recent travel bans as ‘ineffective’.
Biden says while travel bans won’t stop the variant, they can help stall its spread.
“Give us time to get people to get protection, to be vaccinated and get the booster. That’s the reason for it,” Biden said.
