The World Health Organization (WHO) has criticised the travel bans imposed on southern African countries in the aftermath of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, claiming that they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods.

“Travel restrictions may play a role in slightly reducing the spread of Covid-19 but place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods,” WHO's regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said in a statement on Sunday.

She called on countries to follow science and international health regulations to avoid using travel bans.