The World Health Organization said Friday that experts would need “a few weeks” to assess the impact of the novel C0VID-19 variant B.1.1.529 discovered in South Africa.

“Researchers are working to understand more about the mutations and what they might mean for how transmissible or virulent this variant is,” WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters as a virtual meeting of WHO experts began to determine whether B.1.1.529 should be classified as a variant of interest or concern.

However, the World Health Organization warned against implementing further travel restrictions because to the novel COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529.

“WHO urges that nations continue to take a risk-based and scientific approach when applying travel controls… implementing travel measures is being recommended against,” said WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier in Geneva.