HK detects new Covid-19 variant in traveller who had been to South Africa

The new variant, called B.1.1.529, was found in two people quarantined at the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong earlier in November. - SCREENGRAB FROM GOOGLE MAPS

HONG KONG (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Hong Kong has detected a newly identified coronavirus variant that is spreading in South Africa and that has prompted Britain to ban flights from some African countries.

The new variant, called B.1.1.529, was found earlier this month in two men quarantined separately at the Regal Airport Hotel in Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK reported on Thursday (Nov 25).