France reports a new strain of SARS-CoV-2, known as lineage B.1.X or B.1.640, which was first found on 15 October in a school in Bannalec in the north-western region of Brittany, where 24 people got infected; but it was only identified to be a separate strain until much later. The origin of the Bannalec outbreak seemed to be a man in Nantes who had come from abroad a few days before. No cases related to the strain were reported since October 26, but it remains under surveillance. ([https:--www.jpost.com-health-and-wellness-coronavirus-new-covid-variant-found-in-france-reason-for-panic-or-not-quite-yet-684878 "Jerusalem Post"])2021-11-11
France begins to vaccinate children between the ages of 12 and 18 years old using special child-sized needles in order to achieve herd immunity and reduce the spread of variants of COVID-19. The age eligibility of 12 years is one of the lowest of any European Union nation. 2021-06-15
Italy's first case of B.1525 variant found in Naples in a person who had recently travelled from a country in Africa. 2021-02-16
Argentina reports its first cases of two different Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 variants in two people infected with the P.1 variant and two others infected with the P.2 variant. 2021-02-8
The Swedish government announces that all travellers will be required to show a negative COVID-19 testing result within 48 hours of arrival beginning February 6 in order to prevent the spread of variants of SARS-CoV-2. Swedish citizens as well as foreign residents living in Sweden will be exempt from this rule. 2021-02-3
Spain will restrict travel to South Africa and Brazil due to concerns about new variants of SARS-CoV-2. 2021-02-2
Prime Minister Jean Castex announces the closure of borders to all travelers outside the European Union beginning January 31 in order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants and avoid a third lockdown. In addition, travel between the overseas territories will be limited and all large shopping centres will be closed. 2021-01-29
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the introduction of 10-day hotel quarantine for travellers from 30 high-risk countries, including Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, and all South American nations due to spread of variants of SARS-CoV-2. 2021-01-27
Belgium declares a ban on non-essential travel in and out of the country from January 27 through March 1 in order to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants. 2021-01-22
Japan's Health Ministry detects a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 partially similar to those from South Africa and the United Kingdom in four people that travelled from Amazonas in Brazil. 2021-01-10