Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has expanded the list of Exceptional Red Countries, as of yesterday, following the emergence of a new COVID-19 strain in Africa.

The Ministry made the announcement on its Twitter page adding, "The changes come into immediate effect."

The expanded list of Exceptional Red Countries now includes 15 countries. These are: Bangladesh, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, India, Lesotho, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

Details regarding the policy for those traveling from these countries are listed here.

On a related note, Qatar Airways also announced last night that with immediate effect, "Passengers will no longer be accepted for travel from South Africa and Zimbabwe on #QatarAirways flights."

The airline said it will continue to review the situation on a daily basis as new information becomes available from the WHO.

On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has designated the newly identified coronavirus variant, B.1.1.529, as a variant of concern, named Omicron, according to CNN.

Qatar has been giving its all to ensure the good health and safety of its citizens and residents. The country recently began administering COVID-19 booster shots to eligible people and has been urging everyone to take the booster dose without delay.

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