A new variant the covid-19 virus is beginning to spread worldwide. The WHO named the mutation Omicron, after a letter the Greek alphabet. It was first reported Botswana on the 9th November. Two weeks later, it was detected South Africa and flagged as a "virus concern". Soon this, cases were reported in Hong Kong, Israel, Madagascar and Belgium. Epidemiologists have warned that this new strain could be extremely infectious. They also said it may be able to evade protections afforded us current vaccines. This has led countries reinstating travel bans. Despite these, new cases have already been reported 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 the DNA that affects the spikes surrounding the crown the virus. Current vaccines focus these spikes. Any changes in the DNA of the spikes could make the virus more virulent, more transmissible and possibly more resistant vaccines. Scientists say it could take a few weeks to determine how effective our vaccines are Omicron. The White House's chief medical adviser has warned that: "When you have a virus that is showing this degree transmissibility, and you're already having travel-related cases...it almost invariably is ultimately going to go all [the world]."
