The global health body has just issued new advice about international travel following last week’s discovery of the “variant of concern” in South Africa and its subsequent spread around the world.

The WHO said travel plans should be postponed for people who have not been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and were at “increased risk of developing severe disease and dying”, including the over-60s.

The organisation added that travellers should be “reminded to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of Covid-19”, get their vaccinations and adhere to public health and social measures at all times, regardless of vaccination status, including the use of masks and respecting physical distancing.

The WHO added that “blanket” travel bans would not prevent the spread of the Omicron variant internationally.

“They place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods,” stated the health body. “In addition, they can adversely impact global health efforts during a pandemic by disincentivising countries to report and share epidemiological and sequencing data.

“All countries should ensure that the measures are regularly reviewed and updated when new evidence becomes available on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Omicron or any other VOC (variant of concern).”