The Netherlands’ RIVM health institute found omicron in samples dating from Nov. 19 and 23. The World Health Organization said South Africa first reported the variant to the U.N. health agency on Nov. 24. Travelers from South Africa are tested for COVID-19 on arrival in a specially designed test street at Schiphol airport in the Netherlands on November 30, 2021. Those moves have been criticized by South Africa and the WHO has urged against them, noting their limited effect. The Netherlands, Belgium and France have now all reported cases in people who were in their countries before the European Union imposed flight restrictions.

Source: Huffington Post November 30, 2021 18:21 UTC