It’s been three years since the first discovery of COVID 19. While everyone hopes the disease becomes more manageable that is not the case as The World Health Organisation has this morning issued a technical briefing to its member states following the discovery of the Omicron COVID variant. Currently, the Delta variant is dominant around the world, but researchers are monitoring other variants of concern, including the Omicron variant.
So far it has been detected in South Africa and Botswana, as well as in travellers to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and Hong Kong. Six cases of the latest COVID mutation were reported in Scotland on Monday. It has been confirmed that 13 cases of the new Omicron coronavirus mutation have been detected in Portugal. The cases all linked to members of the Lisbon football team Belenenses, and their staff. The Dutch Authorities on Nov. 28 Found at Least 13 Omicron Cases in Travelers From Southern Africa.
The variant was identified on Nov. 25 by scientists in South Africa. Preliminary tests suggest that it has been spreading rapidly there, but researchers have yet to determine if it truly is more contagious than other variants. Mr Phaahla addressed a news conference in South Africa following the emergence of the latest coronavirus variant. He insisted there is “no need to panic” about the latest mutation, adding South Africa is engaging with countries that have introduced travel bans. Mr Phaahla added scientists are working to establish whether the variant is more transmissible, and whether or not it can evade current vaccines.
The Omicron variant of coronavirus is likely to have “increased transmissibility and some partial escape from antibodies”, says an infectious diseases expert.
Professor Salim Abdool Karim told a news briefing that South Africa is experiencing a rapid rise in infections, with a fourth wave of the virus now expected
A growing number of countries are restricting travel from South Africa, Botswana and nearby countries. Japan has banned all foreign visitors as countries tighten travel COVID restrictions. President Biden has also made the move to Restrict Travels from Southern Africa.
New Variant of Concern Fuels Global Fear of Another Virus Surge. As the Omicron Variant Circles the Globe, African Nations Face Blame and Bans
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