African nation, which has much lower infection rates than much of Europe, says countries must not be punished for scientific research into mutations; WHO also rejects travel bans

Starting Monday, America will limit travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi; Fauci says more info on variant still needed

Jewish virologist Barry Schoub, who advises the government, says data so far indicates vaccines protect against severe illness from new COVID variant

Bennett says government 'preparing for every scenario' after 4 four possible cases of highly mutated B.1.1.529 variant detected in country, but no current plans for lockdown

Little is yet known of new strain, but it appears to be most heavily mutated version of the virus yet -- which could affect transmissibility and potentially limit vaccine efficacy

Germany, Italy, and Britain have already restricted most travel from South Africa and neighboring nations, as EU calls on entire bloc to follow suit

As arrival from Malawi becomes first case of highly mutated B.1.1.529 variant detected in country, Health Ministry said to urge mandating additional COVID test for all arrivals

2 other returnees from Malawi also suspected to have contagious B.1.1.529 variant; all 3 were vaccinated; PM calls meeting, urges purchase of PCR kits that better detect the strain

South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Eswatini added to list of countries from which foreigners are barred entry

Strain, which goes by the scientific lineage number B.1.1.529, 'has a very high number of mutations' and has caused 'exponential' growth in cases