Omicron, a new Covid-19 variant with high number of mutations (read)

 

The discovery by South African health authorities of a novel and potentially more transmissible coronavirus type has provoked a strong reaction around the world, with a number of governments prohibiting travelers from various southern African countries. 

The World Health Organization said on Friday that the newly detected coronavirus variety, B.1.1.529, has been categorized as a variant of concern, dubbed Omicron.

Aside from South Africa, the newly discovered variety has been found in Botswana, Hong Kong, and Belgium. 

It looks to be fast spreading in parts of South Africa, and experts are afraid that the abnormally high number of mutations may make it more transmissible and result in immune evasion. 

Officials in South Africa first stated that there was only one verified case in a visitor from South Africa to Hong Kong. 

Then, on Friday, Hong Kong health authorities discovered a second case of the B.1.1.529 variety among returning travelers on the same level of a quarantine hotel.

According to a South African health authority, the variation had "far more mutations than we expected." 

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there is a "high to very high" danger that it will spread throughout Europe.