A new variant of the COVID-19 virus is beginning to spread worldwide. The WHO named the mutation Omicron, after a letter of the Greek alphabet.
It was first reported in Botswana on the 9th of November. Two weeks later, it was detected in South Africa and flagged as a "virus of concern". Soon after this, cases were reported in Israel, Hong Kong, Belgium, and Madagascar.
Epidemiologists have warned that this new strain could be extremely infectious. They also said it may be able to evade protections afforded us by current vaccines. This has led to countries reinstating travel bans. Despite these, new cases have already been reported in the UK, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Scientists are currently analyzing Omicron to assess the dangers it might pose. They have detected 50 genetic changes in the DNA that affects the spikes surrounding the crown of the virus. Current vaccines focus on these spikes. Any changes in the DNA of the spikes could make the virus more virulent, more transmissible, and possibly more resistant against vaccines.
On the other hand, variant might speed up the end of the pandemic if it causes mild illness as South Africa records NO hospital admissions or deaths from super strain - but scientists won't know for at least two weeks. Scientists warned that It will take two weeks to determine Omicron's impact on hospitalizations and deaths.
Scientists in South Africa said patients infected with the variant are young and have mild symptoms. Scientists have warned COVID is unlikely to ever be eradicated but will transition into a milder cold-like virus
However, WHO warned variant could change the trajectory of the pandemic and the consequences may be severe
