New COVID variant triggers travel restrictions ahead of holiday season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are growing concerns about a new variant of COVID-19 first identified in South Africa in November.

The omicron variant emerged as millions of Americans returned home from Thanksgiving, and it presents a threat as we head into the next holiday season.

So far, omicron has been found in at least a dozen countries around the world. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn’t confirmed any cases in the United States, health officials said the variant is likely already here.

“It’s almost definitely here already. Just looking at the number of cases coming off planes this weekend, It’s almost a certainty that there have been cases that have gotten into the United States,” said Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration.

Health officials also said omicron could spread more rapidly than other strains of COVID-19.

As a result, President Joe Biden will restrict travel from South Africa and seven other countries starting Monday.

One North Carolina woman said because of omicron-related travel restrictions, what started as a dream family vacation turned into a nightmare.

Lauren Kennedy-Brady and her family told WRAL they have been trying to get out of Johannesburg since Friday. Monday marked 11 days since they had arrived in South Africa. In the middle of their trip, the country imposed its own restrictions to stop the spread of omicron.

Brady said she has been trying to get in touch with the embassy and the American consulate with no luck.

“I understand there’s a more global and bigger picture than my little nuclear family,” Brady told WRAL. “But I want to get home and quarantine at home.”

Brady said she hoped to get to Kenya Tuesday and hopefully begin her journey back home to North Carolina from there.

(WATCH BELOW: Omicron variant: What you need to know)

Omicron variant: What you need to know (NCD)

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